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WILLIAM J. SIMMONS. A.M., LL D. 

born june 24, 1849; died oct. 30, 1890. 

First President National 

Baptist Convention. 



WHO'S WHO 



AMONG THE COLORED 
BAPTISTS OF THE 
UNITED STATES - 



VOLUME I. 

$1.50 PER COPY. 



EDITED BY 

SAMUEL WILLIAM BACOTE, A.B., A.M., D.D. 

2210 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. 
FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST YEAR BOOK. 



1913. 

FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO. 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 



iffy •-■ 



x 



COPYRIGHTED 1913, 

BY S. W. BACOTE, D.D., 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 



©CI.A358043 



«^ 




SAMUEL WILLIAM BACOTE, 



Statistician National Baptist Convention; 
Editor Baptist Year Book. 



DEDICATION. 



To her — whose every thought is mine, 

Whose faith and hope and love 
Inspire my soul with power divine, 

Attracted from above, 
To strive to reach a greater height 

Than man could ever gain 
Without the aid of right and might, 

United they must reign : 
To her — unlike all others, still 

With womanly charms replete, 
Who smooths my way with rarest skill, 

With gentle words discreet; 
Whose glorious fancies come from far- 

A noble guiding light — 
As if the brilliant evening star 

Endowed them with foresight: 
To her — whose love a happy fate 

Has given to me in life, 
This volume, now, I dedicate 

With all my heart : — 

MY WIFE. 



PREFACE. 



The word "biography/' in its broadest, deepest sense, has 
a higher meaning than that which is derived from superficial 
analysis. Bi — life — refers not merely to physical existence, 
but to intellectual vitality and to spiritual being. It implies 
constant change, growth, progress ; for no living thing can re- 
main stationary. It opens out toward a glorious future with 
limitless possibilities ; toward an ever-widening vista that 
reaches to the Infinite. 

A nation's life, or that of a race, is the life of its great 
men ; those who combine in themselves the constructive agen- 
cies that comprise the bone and sinew of the people. 

To consider the history of a people or of 'an individual apart 
from those things that have possessed a dominating influence 
in the development of character; to fail to give due credit or 
allowance to natural or hereditary disposition, to environment 
and to reactionary force, would not only be unjust, but would 
cause error in the delineation of national or individual genius. 

Although personal genius, to a certain extent, is the outcome 
of social conditions, it remodels the society from which it has 
evolved. And in so far as it extends beyotfd the heights at- 
tained in the aggregate, thus far does it not only express, but 
intensify the national type. 

In the description of prominent men and women herein re- 
corded the writer has made no attempt at an exhibition of bril- 
liant scholarship, but he has endeavored in a simple presenta- 
tion of facts to take cognizance of underlying qualities — of 
causes and incentives — and to point out the high destination of 
the soul through the proper unf oldment of its moral and intel- 
lectual faculties, that younger generations may find inspiration. 



6 Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptists. . 

The details of what a man has accomplished are not so im- 
portant to his fellows as are the motives that actuated him, the 
purposes and determination, the dominant idea, that led to suc- 
cessful effort, and the means by which that idea was shaped or 
obstructed, whether by natural inclination or by constraining 
force. 

It is impossible to write a complete or exhaustive biogra- 
phy, for there is much which enters into the life of each person 
that cannot be fully comprehended nor explained. But the 
author of this work has been interested from boyhood in the 
subject, and he has felt the spiritual uplift that comes from 
high aims and an earnest desire to benefit the race. However, 
he will be amply compensated if the book encourages but one 
reader to look upward instead of downward ; if but a slight im- 
petus is given to racial progress. 

No denomination of color has made, since the Civil War, 
a record that compares favorably with that of the colored 
Baptists. They emerged from slavery with a numerical 
strength far less than that now found in any one of the Middle 
Western States. To-day, through the ceaseless efforts of such 
men as the lamented Dupee, Hamilton, Foster, McAlpine, 
Johnson, Brockington, Holmes, Jasper, Simmons and Brooks, 
whose sketches are to appear in "Landmarks of History," and 
such living pioneers as Pardee, Massey, A. R. Griggs and D. 
Sawyers, together with a large number of younger men and 
women, many of whose histories appear in this volume, the 
denomination has a total' membership of 2,444,055, with ap- 
proximately 18,000 ministers and 18,000 church edifices, val- 
ued at $25 000,000. 

The colored Baptists have demonstrated the truth of the 
assertion that the real price of labor is knowledge and virtue, 
of which wealth and credit are signs; and although the signs 
may be counterfeited, that which they represent cannot be 
imitated. 

It is a source of satisfaction to introduce to one another, 



Who 's. Who Among the Colored Baptists. 7 

through these pages, new recruits, as well as many whose names 
have long appeared upon the roll of fame — men and women of 
noble occupations and callings. Ir\ the compilation of this work 
it was found impracticable to place the subjects in alphabetical 
order, having been made up as the material was secured. 

Volumes II. and III., which are to appear soon, will con- 
tain sketches of other representatives equally as distinguished 
as those found in this number. 

The author is indebted to Professor J. Dallas Bowser, who 
read the manuscript and offered friendly suggestions ; to Mr. 
C. Brown, and to others who tendered assistance; to Simmons' 
"Men of Mark," from which much information relative to 
pioneers was gleaned; and to Rev. Dr. E. A. Wilson, of Mus- 
kogee, Oklahoma, under whose able endorsement this book 
makes its bow to the public, in full confidence that the lofty 
ideals embodied in the subjects of these articles justify their 
publication. 

Samuel William Bacote. 

22 i o Kansas Avenue, 

Kansas City, Missouri. 
August i, 1913. 



INTRODUCTION. 



History only stoops to notice men with a song, men who 
have a message, men who have a mission to perform. They 
who have trodden the highest peaks of human accomplishment 
have been those whose names were linked inseparably to great 
epochs and great deeds. Like the stars of the firmament, they 
may differ in their brightness ; buty unlike the stars, they are 
not too numerous to be counted. 

In these grand and sublime times, men whose names live, 
and will forever dawn the pages of history, are those who per- 
form no witchcraft or work no miracles to reach the lofty 
planes of greatness — but, on the other hand, must march to 
the orders of the century's call, "Do, serve, or die." 

We desire to present to the reader a star of the first mag- 
nitude: a prolific writer, an erudite scholar, a prince among 
church-builders, a successful pastor and an able expounder of 
the gospel. 

The subject of this sketch, Samuel W. Bacote, A.B., 
A.M., B.D., D.D., saw the light of day February i, 1866, at 
Society Hill, South Carolina. His parents, Dembo and Har- 
riet Bacote, both rocked in the cradle of slavery, were highly 
respected and loved by white and black of the entire com- 
munity. His father possessed superior ability to that of most 
of the slaves, being able to read and write, and was honored as 
deputy sheriff of Darlington County for a number of years. 
His mother- died when Samuel was only three months old, 
leaving him to the care of his father and grandmother. 

At the early age of seven he was sent to the public school 
and soon showed remarkable ability in reading, orthography, 
penmanship and mathematics. 

At seventeen years of age he entered Benedict College, 
South Carolina. Having only $17.00 in his pockets, one suit 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 9 

of clothes and sockless feet, he was easily recognized as the 
poorest boy on the campus. With poverty staring him in the 
face, he was unmoved, but pressed forward with dauntless 
courage and tireless zeal until he had reached the goal. 

Starting in the lowest class, working at odd hours, he suc- 
ceeded in three years in graduating from the Normal Depart- 
ment and was elevated to the position of private secretary to 
the president and director of all the classes in penmanship and 
bookkeeping. In 1888 he graduated from the higher English 
course of the school. He then took the public examination 
and received a first-grade certificate at Anderson Court House. 

After serving for one year as principal of Johnston Acad- 
emy, Edgefield County, South Carolina, he resigned to enter 
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina, where he studied 
for one year. 

In the fall of 1889 he matriculated in the Theological 
Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, and graduated May 17, 1892. 
with honors, having distinguished himself in Hebrew and 
Greek, also serving as assistant teacher during the entire 
course. 

In 1892 he was called to the pastorate of the Second Bap- 
tist Church, Marion, Alabama, and elected principal of the 
Baptist Academy. Here he succeeded in a short time in pay- 
ing off a long-standing debt of the school and raised it to a 
higher standard, both in the financial and scholastic world. 

March 3, 1895, he received a unanimous call to the Sec- 
ond Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. In less than a 
year he succeeded in canceling a debt of four thousand dollars. 
Plans were laid for the erection of a superstructure on a large 
basement, and during the second year of his pastorate he had 
raised $14,000. In a few years a magnificent edifice was 
reared as a monument for the Negro Baptists, an ornament 
and a blessing for the race. During the eighteen years of Dr. 
Bacote's pastorate he has raised more than $100,000, all of 
which has been properly expended on the new church, which 
now stands free of all indebtedness. 



io Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Still thirsting 1 and hungering after knowledge and real- 
izing that "the mind is the standard of the man," the Rev. 
Mr. Bacote in 1896 matriculated at Kansa's City University 
(white), Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated with the degree 
of B.A. ; two years later he received the degree of M.A. from 
the same college. While pursuing his classical course at Kan- 
sas City University he was a favorite with his classmates, be- 
ing the only colored member of the class and the first Negro 
graduate of the .university. Upon several occasions while a 
student he was honored with favors, and at one time was the 
principal speaker to address one of the college fraternities. In 
1904 Kansas City University conferred upon him the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity. / 

In 1901 he was elected statistician of the National Baptist 
Convention. He at once set about his work, bringing it to a 
high standard, editing the National Baptist Year Book; this so 
efficiently systematized the various departments of our denom- 
inational enterprises, making it an easy matter for any one at 
a glance through the columns of the Year Book to tell exactly 
the standing of Negro Baptists of the world. 

In 1900 Doctor Bacote was united in holy wedlock to 
Miss Lucy Bledsoe, Topeka, Kansas. Mrs. Bacote is a most 
accomplished musician, having studied at the Conservatory of 
Boston and holding the Bachelor of Music degree from the 
Conservatory of Kansas City University. She is at present 
musical director of the choir of the Second Baptist Church, 
and in every respect is a helpmeet; refined in bearing, gentle 
in manners, sweet in disposition and helpful to all, Mrs. Bacote 
is the silent force that has greatly assisted her husband in at- 
taining the prominence and honors which he holds to-day. 
Two bright little children bless their home life and give them 
joy and happiness. 

In 1892 Doctor Bacote was a delegate to the Parliament 
of Religions in connection with the Columbian Exposition. In 
1910 he was a delegate with others of the National Baptist 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. ii 

Convention at the World's Missionary Conference, Edinburgh, 
Scotland. 

While abroad he toured Europe, visiting the following 
points of interest : Glasgow, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Man- 
chester, Paris, Modena, Munich, Geneva, Lucerne, Genoa, 
Rome, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Milan, Florence, Venice and 
Oberammergau. 

Dr. Bacote is sending forth his first volume. "Who 's 
Who Among the Colored Baptists." We pray that you will 
not view this book with a critic's eye. but as you read it for in- 
formation that you will be able to know the lives and scan the 
deeds of some of the most brilliant men and women of our 
great denomination, the largest and most intelligent in the 
world. 

For such a book as this and for the untiring efforts of the 
author to hand to coming generations this heritage of Negro 
Baptists, he has erected for himself a monument more en- 
during than the Pyramids of Egypt or the pride and pomp of 
marble bust and stone. He has built a monument of honor 
and virtue, a monument that will last when 

"The seas shall waste, the skies to smoke decay, 
Rocks fall to dust, and mountains melt away." 

E. Arlington Wilson, 
Pastor of First Baptist Church. 
Muskogee, Oklahoma, 
May 30, 1913. 



INDEX. 



Allen, J. D !197 

Amiger, William Thomas 30 

Anderson, J. H 188 

Bacote, Albert Robert 142 

Bailey, J. W 169 

Beckham, William . 56 

Becks, Mrs. Ida M. Bowman. .108 

Booker, Joseph Albert 58 

Bowen, G.N 106 

Boyd, Richard Henry 73 

Britt, Hardin B 199 

Brown, B.J 195 

Brown, J. T 201 

Broyles, R. A 136 

Burroughs, Miss Nannie H . . . . 238 

Callaham, Peter Andrew 84 

Campbell, Lee Lewis 90 

Carter, J. W 173 

Castle, Mrs. T. A 249 

Caston, J. T 279 

Clark, Charles Henry 24 

Codwell, J. M 291 

Cooksey, A.P 157 

Cosey, A. A 171 

Credit, William Abraham 40 

Curry, G. C. F 64 

Dunbar, Albert Prince 286 

Durham, Jacob Javan 114 

Eason, J. H 158 

Ewing, T. H 270 

Fishback, Charles Gentry 295 

Fisher, Charles Lewis 241 

Ford, John Elijah 283 

Francis, Robert B 110 

Francis, Samuel L. M 124 



Page. 

Fuller, Thomas O 121 

Fuller, W. H 247 

Gathings, J. G 126 

Goode, George Washington .... 204 
Goodwin, George Augustus .... 164 

Goodwin, J. J 161 

Gordon, Charles Benjamin W. .211 

Graves, Charles Francis 186 

Griggs, E. M 54 

Hall, Mrs. Josie B 258 

Hall,M. P . 76 

Hampton, Charles Nicholas . . , . 132 

Henderson, J. H 293 

Hendon, I. M 254 

Hoard, J. H 140 

Hudson, Richard B 27 

Hughes, P. H 261 

Jackson, Alexander S 61 

Jackson, Dock Ballard 162 

Jackson, G.N *. 190 

Jackson, J. C 154 

Jernagin, W. H . 86 

Johnson, A. M 263 

Johnson, Moses 69 

Johnson, W. H 256 

Johnson, William Thomas 251 

Jones, S. S 152 

Jones, T. L 181 

Keeling, Ulysses Simpson 207 

Kelly, I. H 67 

Kersh, J. F 216 

Knox, L. Amasa 49 

Knox, John Edwards 174 

Lange, John, Jr 303 

Lawrence, William P 8 



Who j s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



13 



Page. 

Lewis, H. C 112 

Lights, F. L 71 

Lovelace, William Franklin .... 227 

Madison, William, Jr 273 

Martin, J. A 302 

Massey, William 299 

Maxey, Mrs. Minnie Virginia. .218 
Mt. Zion First Baptist Church, 

San Antonio, Texas 65 

McNorton, Mrs. L. J 209 

Mitchell, John, Jr 305 

Morris, Elias Camp 14 

Morris, F. L 151 

Morris, George Edmund 183 

Mosley, Samuel A 220 

Moss, Aaron Wesley 289 

Moses, William Henry 224 

Neal, P. Carter 128 

Norman, Moses W. D 146 

Oldham, P. B 130 

Over, D. E 265 

Pardee, Zachariah Taylor 297 

Parks, W. G 22 

Parrish, Charles Henry 36 

Pegues, Albert W 244 

Perry, J. Edward 98 

Pierson, Edward Donahue 267 

Read, George E 192 

Robinson, A. R 33 

Robinson, William Edward ... 144 



Page. 

Roberts, Charles L 78 

Rodgers, M. M 233 

Scott, Darnel A 51 

Second Baptist Church, San 

Antonio, Texas 66 

Shannon, James Flournoy 118 

Simmons, William J. . (Frontispiece) 

Smith, G. W 7 96 

Smith, Hardin 82 

Smith, Mrs. M. A. B 80 

Steward, William H 281 

Stewart, Charles 277 

StewaJrt, J. W 214 

Stokes, A. J. . . 38 

Strong, J. W 179 

Trotter, Robert Tate 134 

Vass, Samuel Nathaniel 235 

Walker, Charles T 43 

Walker, J. Franklin 138 

Walker, T. W 167 

Washington, Booker T 18 

Washington, P. R 149 

Watkins, Walter Thomas 93 

Weaver, Fortune J 103 

Westbrook, B. J. F 222 

Whitfield, Mrs. EUa Eugene ... 101 

Williams, H. M 275 

Williams, L.K 177 

Wilkins, Mrs. Annie Eula 230 

Wilson, Elisha Arlington 47 



H 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND ELIAS CAMP MORRIS, PhD., D.D. 



Farmer — Statesman — Minister — Presiding Over 2,400,000 
Baptists — Executive Officer World Baptist Alliance and 
General Convention of North America. 



Because of his official position, his achievements up the 
ladder of denominational greatness, it is befitting that the 

sketch of the President of 
the Baptist family should 
open the series of articles, 
"Who 's Who." 

The Reverend E 1 i a s 
Camp Morris, who has 
mapped his own independ- 
ent orbit through the edu- 
cational, political and busi- 
ness world, was born in 
Murray County^ Georgia, 
on May 7, 1855, to James 
and Cora Morris, saints of 
ante-bellum days. Young 
Morris, although unable to 
shoulder the gun and fight 
in the ranks of the Union 
Army, remembers well the 
conflict between the blue 
and the gray, and takes de- 
light in telling of hi& experiences during those exciting times. 
Dr. Morris attended Sunday-school at an early age, and 
he professed religion and joined the Morning Star Baptist 
Church, Stevenson, Alabama, in 1874. The same year he was 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 15 

called to the ministry. As, he was extraordinarily bright, his 
parents gave him the advantage of such public school edu- 
cation as was available at that time, and later placed him un- 
der competent private instructors until he was prepared to take 
lectures and ministerial studies at Roger Williams University. 
At that institution his close application^ to study and manly 
deportment won) the admiration of his superiors. And Mor- 
ris grew as grows the # cedar, throwing its branches higher and 
wider into the circumambient air. 

On, November 27, 1884, Dr. Morris was joined in matri- 
mony to Miss Fannie E. Austin v a refined 'young student of 
Rust High School/ Huntsville ; and to the happy union gifted 
children have been born. 

Dr. Morris, naturally endowed with remarkable talent as 
a speaker, was unable to meet the demands upon his time, and 
after reflection and prayer, he responded to the call of the Cen- 
tennial Baptist Church, Helena, Arkansas, in 1878, which pas- 
torate he has held continuously to the present. He has built 
up the membership of the church until it has become one of 
the largest and) most influential in the entire connection. 

For thirty years he has presided over the Arkansas Baptist 
Convention, which has frequently raised as much as $15,000 
during the annual session. He has been instrumental in the 
founding of the Arkansas College. Little Rock, Arkansas, an 
institution valued at $100,000. In 1879 he and W. W. Colley 
planned the Foreign Mission Convention of Baptists. Dr. 
Morris has been school trustee at Helena for many years, and 
trustee of Arkansas College for twenty-five years. 

Eighteen years ago the attention of the Baptists of the 
country was attracted by his force and magnetism, and by; his 
ability as a worker, and they elected him to the presidency of 
the National Convention, which he has unremittingly served 
since, bringing that body forward as the largest and wealthiest 
of the race. Under his administration a publishing house 
worth $400,000 has been established, more than a hundred 
foreign mission stations have been formed, and active affilia- 



16 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

tion has been created with the Southern Baptist, General Con- 
vention of North America anid the World Baptist Alliance. 

Dr. Morris is a member of the Executive Boards of 
both the General Convention of North America and the World 
Baptist Alliance, taking an energetic part in the deliberations 
of those organizations and making such recommendations in 
the interest of the National Baptist Convention as he deems 
proper. 

He has been editor of the National Baptist Union, the 
Arkansas Vanguard, and of several other periodicals, and his 
articles have Ibeen eagerly read because of the vigorous man- 
ner in which they werel written. Their depth of 'thought also 
appealed to the public. Dr. Morris is a frequent contributor 
to many weekly and daily publications, conducted for both 
white and colored people. 

The doctor has traveled extensively in Europe, thereby 
obtaining a wider view of important subjects. He was chair- 
man of the delegation of colored Baptists! that attended the 
World Baptist Alliance at London, England, in June, 1905, 
and served in a lik§ capacity when that deliberate body met in 
Philadelphia in 191 1 ; and was instrumental in having'a mem- 
ber of the National Baptist Convention elected a vice-president. 

In addition to his religious duties, Dr. Morris looks after 
the political welfare of the race. He has represented the Ne- 
groes of his adopted State in the Republican National Con- 
vention since 1884, with the exception of one convention. He 
is a statesman broad in culture and experience and he occupies 
a high position among the most distinguished men of modern 
times. 

Years ago the State University, at Louisville, Kentucky, 
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and the 
Alabama State Normal University, Huntsville, gave him the 
degree of Ph.D. He has lived up to the traditions of both in- 
stitutions, adding luster? to their names anid acquitting himself 
with credit. 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 17 

Although Dr. Morris makes no display of what her is 
worth financially, his check is good for large amounts in any 
bank with which he is acquainted. 

Dr. Morris presides with grace and efficiency over the 
deliberations of more than two million members. And he 
is held in the highest esteem, possessing almost unlimited in- 
fluence over brethren in the various walks of life. He is a 
great sermontizer, a convincing orator, an entertaining lecturer, 
and a trustworthy adviser. He has reached the point where 
he can render the greatest service to his constituents and give 
to the world an exhibition of that true leadership for which 
such men as Simmons, Douglass and Price stood unflinchingly, 
and of which Washington, Boyd, Dubois and others are exam- 
ples that now stand out pre-eminently. 

Dr. Morris is still in the thick of the fight for principle, 
justice and righteousness. But when the conflict has ended, 
and he takes his well-earned rest, in the evening of life, may 
the good that he has accomplished reflect upon his own heart 
the hope and courage and joy that he has brought to others. 
That a boy can advance from penury to the summit of the 
world's greatness is 1 well revealed in the career of this brilliant 
leader. 



i8 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, LL.D. 



Architect of His Own Fortune — Educator — Author — Philos- 
opher — Traveler — Leveler of Race Prejudice — Principal 
of the World's Greatest Industrial College. 



The name of Booker T. Washington, architect of his own 
fortune, the most illustrious character the Negro race has ever 

produced and one of the 
world's oreatest immortals, 
is a synonym in every 
American household for 
wisdom and culture, deep 
thinking and philosophy. 

The qualities that have 
brought the renowned 
teacher and writer promi- 
nently before all people are 
not dependent upon race, 
color or condition in life. 
They are faculties implant- 
ed by the Creator in those 
who are designed by Prov- 
idence to become the in- 
struments of justice and 
progress, that millions of human beings may receive the im- 
petus to work out their destiny, and that a whole race may at- 
tain the heights of mental, moral and physical excellence. 

Mr. Washington was born on April 18, 1856, to Mrs. Jane 
Ferguson, of Hale's Ford, a Virginia hamlet, in Franklin 











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Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 19 

County. At the close of the Civil War he went with his moth- 
er and step-brother to West Virginia, where he entered the 
public schools, earning his board and lodging by working each 
morning and evening before and after school hours. While 
there he was happily converted and united with a little Baptist 
church, in which he has ever retained his membership. His 
mother's death, shortly after he reached West Virginia, was 
doubtless responsible for the awakening of his best impulses 
and highest aspirations, which have brought him, through the 
development of self-reliance, to the forefront of authors and 
educators. He started for Hampton Institute in the fall of 
1872. making the trip historic by overcoming almost insur- 
mountable obstacles. Graduating in 1875 as the leading mem- 
ber of his class, he taught school at Maiden, West Virginia, 
for some time. Later, feeling that a more extended course 
would be necessary in order to fully equip him for a career of 
usefulness, the young man took especial instruction at Way- 
land Seminary, Washington, District of Columbia, after which 
he returned to Hampton as a professor. 

In 1880 the Alabama Legislature established the Tuskegee 
Institute. Washington having been recommended for the posi- 
tion by General S. C. Armstrong, under whom he had studied, 
he was placed in charge as the only teacher. The State had ap- 
propriated but $3,000 for building and maintenance, yet, step 
by step. Washington guided the affairs 0/ the little school 
through the crucial periods of its history with unusual ability. 
To-day it is an institution with a valuation of $1,295,216, with 
an endowment of $1,811,647, and proudly boasts of 1,750 stu- 
dents and a faculty of 193 members, representing the best 
thought of every leading university. 

Dr. Washington believes in the training of mind and heart 
and hand — the proper balance, through which the most satis- 
factory results are always obtained. And as the ocean washes 
every shore and clasps every land with all-embracing arms, so 
has his influence made itself felt by men and women in every 



20 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

clime. He has made a marked impression upon public opin- 
ion; he has softened or removed prejudice and awakened hope- 
fulness in relation to the solution of a problem encompassed 
with difficulty. His rare qualifications have brought him in- 
ternational fame. He has traveled through many countries, 
making a study of racial problems and comparing the Afro- 
Americans with others who have experienced the weight of in- 
justice. The crowned heads of Europe as well as the highest 
officials of our Republic have honored themselves by entertain- 
ing this remarkable product of modern civilization. 

In his book, "The Man Farthest Down; A Record of Ob- 
servation and Study in Europe/' Dr. Washington gives par- 
ticular attention to the agricultural classes. His ideas on in- 
tensive cultivation of the soil are most important. "The Story 
of the Negro ; The Rise of the Race from Slavery," has stim- 
ulated those who needed encouragement to acquire habits of 
thrift, economy, education, Christian character and industrial 
skill. Dr. Washington's contributions to The Outlook and 
other periodicals have been widely circulated and read. They 
have added materially to the luster of his reputation. He is 
clear, concise and unaffected, as are all fine writers, and entire- 
ly free from exaggerated flowers of speech and lurid phrases. 
It is said that one reveals himself in his writings. The 
glimpses of the real Dr. Washington are most inspiring, for 
they disclose an unusual combination of strength and purpose 
— a blending of heart, intellect and soul. 

In the words of Dr. Curry: "The life of Booker T. 
Washington cannot be written. Incidents of birth, parentage, 
schooling, early struggles, later triumphs may be detailed with 
accuracy, but the life has been so incorporated, transfused into 
such a multitude of other lives — broadening views, exalting 
ideals, moulding character — that one may not know the deep 
and beneficent influence exerted, and no pen can describe it.'' 

Though he was born in a log cabin, only twelve by sixteen 
feet in size, and without windows, the light of inspiration 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 21 

penetrated his soul ; though in childhood he slept upon a pallet 
of rags, invisible messengers from above filled him with deter- 
mination and power that he might lead his brethren, as did 
Moses of old, into the promised land — the land of peace and 
prosperity, where intelligence rules. Of what consequence to 
him were personal discomforts when a down-trodden people 
was pleading for relief from the bondage of inefficiency ? Was 
not his real existence bound up in theirs ? Did he not hear the 
call of duty — to obliterate the scars made by the yoke of op- 
pression? No self-sacrifice could be too great. 

It has been shown that eras revolve around an individ- 
ual. Booker T. Washington, the sage of Tuskegee, will go 
down in history as one who gave distinction to the period in 
which he lived. 

Doctor Washington was married to Miss Fannie N. Smith, 
of Maiden, West Virginia, in 1882. She was a graduate of 
Hampton Institute, whose Alumni Journal said of her and 
Mr. Washington : "Their happy union had done much to 
lighten the arduous duties devolving upon him in the manage- 
ment of the school." One child was born to them. Death 
claimed Mrs. Washington in May, 1884. In October, 1893, 
Professor Washington married Miss Maggie James Murray, 
an alumna of Fisk University, who went to the Institute as a 
teacher in 1889. She has, in every way, proven herself to be 
equally interested in the advancement of Tuskegee, giving 
especial attention to the care of the girls. Several children 
have been born to this second union. 



22 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



W. G. PARKS, D.D., LL.D. 



Eloquent Preacher — Race Advocate — Financier — Vice-Presi- 
dent National Baptist Convention — Explorer. 



Among the men making rapid progress and shedding 
luster upon the pages of history to be read with increasing* in- 
terest by upnborn genera- 
tions is the man whose 
career we now give to the 
reader. 

Wesley G. Parks was 
born in Lincoln County. 
Tennessee, on May 7th, 
1858, to George Washing- 
ton and Annie Caroline 
Parks. 

After taking the public 
school course, Dr. Park* 
took private instruction, 
becoming a highly educated 
man. His degree of D.D. 
was conferred by Roger 
Williams University, May 
1 2th, 1905; that of LI/.D. 
was conferred by Virginia 
Theological Seminary and College, on May 2J, 19 12. 

He was converted in November, 1874; licensed to preach 
in August, 1877; ordained in July, 1879, at Nashville, Tennes- 
see, in the Spruce Street Baptist Church, the Reverend N. G. 
Merry officiating. 

Dr. Parks has filled various positions of trust in a satis- 




Who's Who Among the' Colored Baptists. 23 

factory manner; among them: pastor of Olive Branch Baptist 
Church, Nashville; pastor of Mount Zion, Murfrees.boro: 
Mount Zion, Woodbury ; Mount Zion, Shelbyville ; First Bap- 
tist Church, Chattanooga ; Mount Zion, Knoxville, Tennessee ; 
and the Union Baptist Church, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
his present location, to which he was called in March, 1905. 
At the time he took charge the church had a membership of 
1800; it now has an enthusiastic congregation of nearly 2900. 

Dr. Parks served the Tennessee Convention as secretary 
for a number of years, and finally as president. He also rep- 
resented the same State as vice-president of the National 
Baptist Convention. He was elected president of the Jubilee 
Commission of the National Baptist Convention ini 1905, and 
he was elected vice-president at large of the National Bap- 
tist Convention at New Orleans in 1910. which position he 
now holds. 

Dr. Parks has traveled extensively, having visited Eng- 
land, Scotland, Italy, Egypt and Palestine. 

The church of which he is pastor is out of debt, having 
canceled a mortgage of $9,000 in one year and five months un- 
der his guidance. The membership is composed of fine, intel- 
ligent people, who are a credit to their leader. A new site has 
been purchased, upon which it is intended to erect a church 
edifice worth $28,000. The site was bought for $28,000, mak- 
ing the entire cost of the property amount to $56,000. 

Dr. Parks is a man of action — he does things but he is 
modest to a fault about exploiting his own achievements. 
However, he is recognized throughout tho country, as well as 
in foreign lands, as an Afro- American of unusual ability as a 
speaker, a writer, a financier, and a moulder of opinion. 

He has come in contact with people of all nationalities 
and has grown broadi and deep in thought, as well as polished 
in manner. His consistent Christian life, his refusal to be- 
come self -centered, his devotion to his people, have endeared 
him to all who know him. 

Our denomination numbers many brilliant men and 



24 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



women among its members, but there is none more honorable 
than the distinguished minister and race advocate, Dr. W. G. 
Parks. 



CHARLES HENRY CLARK, LL.D. 



Farmer — School-Teacher — Disciplinarian — Co-Founder of the 
National Baptist Publishing House --Financier — Man of 
the Plain People — Great Pastor. 



The Reverend Charles Henry Clark, whose church in 
Nashville. Tennessee, is the hostess of the National Baptist 

Convention for 1913, is one 
of the really great and in- 
teresting characters of the 
National Baptist Conven- 
tion, lie was born Octo- 
ber 15, 1855, in Christian 
County, Kentucky. His fa- 
ther was unknown to him, 
he having escaped across 
Mason and Dixon's line 
while Charles was a mere 
babe. Later his mother 
married Mr. Jerry Clark, 
who joined the Union 
Army in i860 and re- 
mained until 1864, when 
he rejoined her in Trigg 
County, Kentucky. For 
some time they farmed at 
this point; but feeling the need of better educational facil- 
ities for Charles and an elder son, George, Mr. Clark moved 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 25 

to Hopkinsville, where he placed the children in school. 
But poverty soon forced him to leave the city and re-enter 
farm life five miles away. At this time George, an enterpris- 
ing boy, who was nearing his twenty-first birthday, determined 
that distance should prove no hindrance anid poverty no bar- 
rier to his education, resolved to walk to town daily to 
school and pay both his tuition and that of his brother Charles. 
For three years they remained in school, winning prizes and 
exhibiting rare attainments. So rapid was Charles' progress 
in school that he soon made good in the county examination, 
was awarded a teacher's certificate, and engaged in successful 
teaching for some time at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, neai 
Hopkinsville. 

But God had another mission! for him; and this new call- 
ing began in 1876, when he felt the forgiveness of his sins 
and joined the Green Hill Baptist Church, of which the Rev. 
G. G. Garrett was then pastor. He was at once made church 
clerk and a deacon. As an officer he was active and tireless 
in the prosecution of his duties. Soon he was licensed to 
preach and went from plantation to plantation, exercising his 
gifts an)d swaying men by the charm of his voice and his 
searching presentation of the Scriptures. 

It was not until 1880 that Mr. Clark relinquished teach- 
ing and devoted his efforts to the ministry. During that year 
he married Miss Maria Bridges, of Canton, Trigg County, 
Kentucky. Five children have blessed the happy union* — 
Grant, Mattie, Mary, George, and Willie. 

The Canton Baptist Church called him to ordination in 
September, 1880. He served at the same time the Rolling 
Mill and Center Furnace Baptist Churches until 1884, when 
the Shepherd Street Baptist Church, Princeton, Kentucky, 
offered him her pulpit. May 1, 1886, he accepted the pastor- 
ate of the Fourth Street Baptist Church, Owensboro; and for 
Seven years and nine months he led that great church forward 
as it had not been for years. He was called from Kentucky 
to hisi present pastorate at Nashville, one of the most flourish- 



26 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ing and progressiva in the entire connection and one that gave 
the National Baptist Convention a most magnificent entertain- 
ment in September, 1899. 

Mr. Clark is an organizer of men. He is one of the found- 
ers of the National Baptist Publishing House; for it was in 
his parlor that the plans were drawn and from his bank ac- 
count a contribution was given to start a concern that has be- 
come the wonder of the age. And Dr. Clark has been con- 
tinuously elected chairman of the board of managers of that 
corporation since its organization; and much of the success 
that has followed the operations of that enterprise has been 
due to his judicious advice and personal efforts. As chair- 
man of the Publishing House Board, it devolved upon him, as 
the right-hand man of Dr. Boyd, to advise ways and meana of 
co-operation with the v Southern Baptist Convention in mission 
work among the Southern colored Baptists. 

Dr. Clark has served as president of the Tennessee Bap- 
tist Convention and as commissioner appointed by the Governor 
of Tennessee to the Educational Convention of Negro Leaders, 
and is at present president of the National Baptist Sunday- 
school Congress, an active member of the Board of Trustees 
of Roger Williams University and of Howe Institute, a di- 
rector of the Penny Savings Bank of Nashville, and treas- 
urer of the Stone River Association. He has shown great 
executive ability throughout his career of thirty-six years, 
and the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his co- 
laborers in all the responsible positions to which he has been 
called are well-nigh idolatrous* 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him 
by the Cadiz (Kentucky) Normal and Theological College, of 
which the Rev. W. H. McRidley, LL.D.. is president; and that 
of LL.D. by Roswell College, New Mexico, Dr. J. H. May 
president. 

In whatever capacity Dr. Clark has served, success has 
followed him. As a public school-teacher, he was loved and re- 
spected ; as pastor, he has proved a signal success, having raised 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



27 



the financial, moral, intellectual, and spiritual standing of the 
people to a high degree* of efficiency ; as a disciplinarian, he is 
the equal of any man of the denomination ; as an evangelist, 
thousands have been coverted under his preaching. Eminent 
as a Bible student, great as a public speaker, thorough as a 
leader of men, and the idol of the eighteen hundred members of 
the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Nashville, Dr. Clark, with hid 
devoted wife, will live in the memory of friends long after he is 
no more. 



PROFESSOR RICHARD B. HUDSON, A.B., A.M. 



Right Worshipful Endowment Treasurer Grand Lodge {Ma- 
sonic) of Alabama — Highly Honored Lay Member of the 
Baptist Church — Bank Cashier — Educator of Merit — Del- 
egate to World's Missionary Conference — Secretary of 
National Baptist Convention. 



When a man's soul is on a par with those of the best and 
noblest, he may, if he will, take his place with them, whatever 

may have been his antecedents. 
Reared in the atmosphere of means 
sufficient to take him through 
school independent of self-help. 
Richard B. Hudson early decided 
to cast his lot with those who be- 
come builders of their own fortune. 
Richard B. Hudson was born at 
Uniontown, Perry County, Ala- 
bama, in 1866. to Richard and Mil- 
lie Hudson. The parents posses- 
sed means to gratify the ambition 
of their son for a higher education, 
and after the completion of the public school course in Union- 




28 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

town, he was sent to Selma University, where he finished the 
normal course at the early age of fifteen, immediately enter- 
ing the college department for classical culture, and after four 
years' study, graduated at the head of his class with the degree 
of A.B« 

Mr. Hudson's aptitude and his earnestness in the pursuit 
of knowledge procured for him the favor of the school author- 
ities, and he was given employment as a student teacher. Mr. 
Hudson studied subsequently at Chautauqua, New York. 

As principal of the 1 Selma city school, now Clark School, 
nearly a quarter of a cenftury ago, he brought to his work all 
his rich native endowments and long years of training. In 
recognition of his peculiar fitness for the work, he has been 
continued year after year in the position and new honors have 
been conferred upon him. 

Mr. Hudson has evinced remarkable business ability and 
has conducted a private enterprise — a coal and wood yard — in 
addition to performing his duties as a teacher and as cashier 
of the Selma branch of the Alabama Penny and Savings 
Bank. 

He is a member of the Baptist church at Selma, and has 
been! for a number of years the recording secretary of the 
National Baptist Convention ; he is also secretary of the Ala- 
bama State Baptist Convention. 

He has traveled in- Europe, visiting Edinburgh, Scotland, 
as a delegate to the World Missionary Conference. From that 
city he went to Glasgow, Dublin, Liverpool, London, Paris, 
Geneva, Genoa, Rome, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Florence. 
Milan, Venice, Oberammergau, and other points upon the Con- 
tinent. The editor with others who accompanied him on the 
trip abroad found him conversant with the history of various 
points of interest and a valuable source of information to the 
stranger in a strange land. 

One of the greatest honors that has fallen to the lot of 
Mr. Hudson is the office of endowment treasurer and secre- 
tary of the Grand Lodge (Masonic) of Alabama. The place 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 29 

is one that could be filled satisfactorily by a thoroughly trust- 
worthy person only. - Mr. Hudson has proved faithful to the 
trust and with his splendid business ability he has managed the 
affairs of the Lodge in a most competent manner. His sagac- 
ity, tact, integrity, and patience have rendered him an exceed- 
ingly valuable officer. 

Mr. Hudson is married, and his wife, Mrs. Irene M. 
Hudson, is an intelligent and sympathetic companion. Two 
children have been born to the union, onle of whom is now a 
sophomore in the Atlanta Baptist College ; the other is a pupil 
in the Selma public schools. 

Mr. Hudson is a close observer and a pleasing speaker. 
He' is also what is often termed a "good mixer" with men. 
His opinions on school management are widely sought and he 
is considered an authority on that subject. 

He is a brilliant historian and one of the ablest of the 
race's advocates in the entire South. 



3o Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



WILLIAM THOMAS AMIGER, A.B., A.M., 
B.Th., D.D., LL.D. 



Pastor — Educator — Author — Theologian — Master of Seven 
Languages — President of State University, Louisville, 
Kentucky. 



One of the strongest men of letters, character and. indus- 
try of which the race may well boast is William Thomas Ami- 
ger, son of Rowland and 
Margaret (Alexander) 
Amiger, born in Culpepper, 
Virginia, July 16th, 1870. 
Early in; life he became a 
Christian and united with 
t hi e Baptist Church, the 
principles of which he 
maintains unremittingly. 

Mr. Amiger, always 
alert, affable and studious, 
was a favorite in the pub- 
lic schools of Culpepper. 
He was not afraid of hard 
work and succeeded in 
completing the graded and 
high school courses at a 
very early age. 
Believing that God had in store for their son a great mis- 
sion in life, the parents of Mr. Amiger sent him to western 
New York, where he entered the State Normal College at 
Genesee and prepared for college. While at Genesee he again 
proved his ability to grapple with difficult subjects of the 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 31 

course of study and was more than a match for his white 
competitors. | 

In 1895 Mr. Amiger entered Lincoln University, Chester, 
Pennsylvania, from which he graduated with honor in 1899, 
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Two years later he 
graduated from the Department of Theology, taking the de- 
gree of Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and in the same year 
the ■ Master of Arts" degree was conferred upon him. 

But so great was the young student's thirst for knowledge 
and so well did he appreciate the demands of the age for thor- 
oughly prepared leaders, in whatever capacity they served, that 
he specialized in Hebrew and Greek at Newton Theological 
Institution, And he reads those languages to-day with the 
accuracy of an author and interprets them with the intelli- 
gence of the learned Jew or the scholarly^ Greek. 

This learned apostle was called, from Newton to the pas- 
torate of the Third Baptist Church, Springfield. Massachusetts. 
For five years he led the people "into green pastures and beside 
the still waters," bringing the congregation up to a high degree 
of efficiency in all departments of denominational work. 

In 1908 the trustees of State University, Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, were in great need of a man to succeed the lamented 
Doctor Charles L. Puree as president. They wanted a man 
who not only possessed great scholarship and character, but a 
man who could see far and wide, whose youth, courage and 
executive ability would make the institution commensurate 
with its name. Amiger was selected, and the new buildings 
erected, improved courses of study adopted, the large faculty 
employed and the many successful graduates sent forth dem- 
onstrate the wisdom of their choice. 1 

In recognition of his brilliant career, his Alma Mater con- 
ferred the degree of Doctor , of Divinity upon him in June, 
1909. The Central Law School of Louisville, Kentucky, made 
him Legum Doctor in 191 2. 

Doctor Amiger's work as an author, educator and the- 



32 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ologian has attracted wide-spread attention, and his books — 
''The Hands of Jesus/' "Studies in Anthropology," "Miracles 
of the Messiah/' and "Inductive and Deductive Hebrew Les- 
sons" — have distinguished him as a deep thinker, and their 
wide circulation illustrates their value and the great popularity 
of their author. Written with great clearness and brevity and 
with such simplicity of language that even a child can under- 
stand and benefit by the truths which they expound, they bring 
their author at once to the forefront among the literati of the 
world. 

Having studied the needs of the people and labored un- 
tiringly for their mental, moral, religious and industrial prog- 
ress, equipping his students with valuable knowledge which 
(enables them to go forth in their chosen professions with dili- 
gence and effectiveness, Doctor Amiger's name and deeds will 
go down in history as one who has served the Master faith- 
fully and well. 

In 1892 Miss Eleanor Green, of Castleton, Virginia, be- 
came Doctor Amiger's wife. Being well educated, thoroughly 
abreast of the times, Mrs. Amiger has nobly seconded every 
effort put forward by her distinguished husband and has a just 
right tor share the honors he has achieved. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 33 



A. R. ROBINSON, D.D. 



The Man Who Never Fails — Chairman Foreign Mission Board 
— Vice-President World Baptist Alliance — Financier — 
Great Preacher. 



One of the very successful ministers still on the youth- 
ful side of life is the dashing and very intrepid Abraham 

,R. Robinson, of Pennsyl- 
vania. He hails from that 
mother of secessionists, 
South Carolina. And Doc- 
tor Robinson is somewhat 
of a sec essionist himself, 
for he breaks away from 
iron-clad rules and prece- 
dents and introduces meth- 
ods of his own that have 
always led to success, 
whether in the pastorate or 
other organizations over 
which he has been called 
to preside. In school he 
was ever ready for a frolic 
or a fight, whether with 
some knotty problem in 
m a thematics or some 
haughty fellow on the campus who invaded his rights. He 
was known as an expert athlete and could box with the will- 
power of a Johnson or wrestle with the courage and inspira- 
tion of a Gotch, and was always a favorite among the students. 
,": The parents of the Reverend A. R. Robinson were well- 




34 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

to-do farmers and devout Christians, the father was a deacon 
of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in the town of Florence, 
South Carolina, and served in that capacity from early life 
to the time of his death, in 191 1; hence the son was sur- 
rounded from his very birth with strong religious influences. 

From the public schools of what was Darlington County, 
South Carolina, Dr. Robinson passed into the graded schools 
of Florence, after which he was sent to Benedict College, at 
Columbia, South Carolina, finishing his course in that insti- 
tution in 1889. He then took a post-graduate course, and was 
called, in the same year, to Silver Spring Baptist Church 
at Pendleton, South Carolina; he was also called, in 1900, to 
Saint Paul Baptist Church at Laureris. South Carolina, and 
served the two churches, alternately,- for ten years, wjien he 
g-ave up the church at Pendleton, taking in its place the church 
at Union, South Carolina. 

At Pendleton he built a beautiful church and parsonage 
and a first-class school-house for the colored children. He. 
possessed great influence with both white and colored people, 
and his departure was deeply regretted. r ' 

At Laurens he built three churches on the same spot. The 
first was too small for the increasing congregation, and it 
was torn down and a larger one was erected, which was 
wrecked by a storm. Undismayed, Dr. Robinson called his 
army together and with the aid of the white people of that city 
a more beautiful church soon replaced the one destroyed. 

More than seven hundred persons united with the church 
during his pastorate, and he left the congregation free from 
debt. The same was true of both Pendleton and Union 
churches. " •■ 

Going' to Anderson, South Carolina, Dr. Robinson built a 
brick structure — one of the largest in the State — and added 
seven hundred and twenty-five to the membership. *He also 
built a large two-story parsonage and made the grounds about 
the church the most beautiful in the city. From there he went 
to Chester, Pennsylvania, where the Baptists were divided into 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 35 

three congregations, worshiping at different places. In ten 
months he succeeded in uniting the churches. Six hundred 
and fifty were received into the church and $18,859 raised ; 
and when Dr. Robinson left the town his people had $4,000 on 
interest. 

From Chester he was called to the historic Shiloh Baptist 
Church at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Taking charge on the 
first Sunday in May, 1912, he raised on that day $363.75. A 
number of persons were received into the church on the same 
date. The first month $1,150 was collected and the mortgage 
lifted. Shiloh is one of the largest and finest colored churches 
in Philadelphia. 

Dr. Robinson has traveled extensively in England, France, 
Germany and Italy. He was a delegate to the World Mission- 
ary Conference at Edinburgh, Scotland, in June, 1910. He 
was elected vice-president of the World Baptist Alliance at 
Philadelphia in June, 191 1, as the representative of the Na- 
tional Baptist Convention. He is essentially a great preacher, 
a builder and financier, and is destined to occupy a still greater 
place in our reforms. 

Dr. Robinson is married and has a happy* congenial, in- 
telligent family, and the distinction which he has achieved is 
largely due to his affable wife, Mrs. Rachel Robinson, an al- 
umna of Benedict College. 

Dr. Robinson believes in the future of the race, and is 
working diligently to the end that the Afro-American people 
may, as a whole, be prosperous*, well educated and happy. 



36 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND CHARLES HENRY PARRISH, 
A.B., A.M., D.D., F.R.HS. 



President of a University — Delegate to World Baptist Con- 
gress — Holy Land Traveler — Chairman of Foreign Mis- 
sion Board — Magnetic Preacher. 



.< The Reverend Charles Henry Parrish, son of Hiram and 
Henrietta Parrish, was born at Lexington, Kentucky, on April 

i 8, 1859. The father was a slave 
teamster and the mother was a 
seamstress. Both were earnest 
Christians, the former being dea- 
con of the First Baptist Church in 
his home city. 

Young Parrish became alive to 
great religious truths at an early 
age, and united with the Baptist 
Church when he was twelve years 
old. He soon interested himself in 
Sunday-school work, and did ex- 
cellent service as a teacher. 
He studied nights, while acting as porter, at different 
places, as occasion would permit. 

Dr. Parrish matriculated in State University, over which 
the eminent Dr. W. J. Simmons presided at that time. But 
death cast a gloom over his prospects by taking away his father, 
then at a later period his mother, and finally a much-loved 
sister of thirteen summers. 

Dr. Parrish was. employed as janitor in the city while he 
pursued his studies at State University. But he proved him- 




Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 37 

self a man of ability, keeping up with his classes, and grad- 
uating* from the Academic Department in two years. He was 
awarded a gold medal in acknowledgment of his scholarship. 
He afterward received the degree of A.B., and became a teach- 
er of Greek in the school. 

Dr. Parrish has frequently represented his State at nation- 
al gatherings, both white and colored. In 1887 he bore the 
greetings of the National Baptist Convention to the Southern 
Baptist Convention. In 1905 he was a messenger to the 
World Baptist Alliance, held in London, England, and while 
abroad he visited the Holy Land. 

One of Dr. Parrish's greatest achievements was the estab- 
lishment of Eckstein Norton University, Cane Spring, Ken- 
tucky. It is an institution of marked influence, having sent 
forth graduates into every field of usefulness. Its founder is 
still president. 

So distinguished has Dr. Parrish become as an educator 
that several institutions of learning have conferred upon him 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In view of his original re- 
searches in Palestine he was made a Fellow in the British 
Royal Historical Society in 1912. 

He is also pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Louisville, 
Kerutucky, and is constantly in demand as a lecturer and 
preacher. For several years he was chairman of the Foreign 
Mission Board, once located in Louisville, but recently re- 
moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

He is a brilliant writer — one of the contributors to the 
Baptist Union Review. \ 

Dr. Parrish married Miss Mary V. Cook, an alumna of 
State University, and an accomplished teacher. One son has 
been born to the union. < 

Dr. Parrish is a magnetic preacher, whose rapid flow of 
choice language and piercing logic never fail to bring forth an 
enthusiastic response from his hearers. His intense zeal, tem- 
pered with judgment, renders him successful in whatever he 
undertakes., 



38 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 



A. J. STORES, D.D: 



Pastor of Seven Thousand Members — Financier — Holy Land 
Traveler — Treasurer National Baptist Convention — Great 
Preacher. 



The man who: forges ahead, listens neither to the unwise 
advice of friends nor the unworthy criticisms of foes, is the 

mad that rises to a point of emin- 
ence from whence he may view the 
rich fruit of. his tireless labors. 

The Reverend A. J. Stokes was 
born at Orangeburg, South Caro- 
lina, on July 25th, 1859, to Joseph 
and Rosana Stokes. He was con- 
verted on May 3rd, 1870. From 
the common schools of Orangeburg 
he went to Claflin University and 
Benedict College, from which he 
was graduated — classical course — 
in 1884, Guadalupe . College, Tex- 
as, and Princeton University, in Indiana, conferred upon him 
the degree of LL.D. 

Dr. Stokes has officiated as pastor in Mt. Pisgah, Black 
Jack, Winnsboro, Rock Hill, Mt. Olive, Mt. Zion, Ebenezer 
and Bull Swamp churches, of South Carolina; First Baptibt 
Church, Clarksville, Tennessee; Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 
Florida. In 1891 he was called to the pastorate of the First 
Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where he still resides. 
He has baptized about 15,000 persons, 7,000 of whom entered 
the First Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama. The 
present membership of that church is 5,700, the largest in 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 39 

America. He has performed the marriage ceremony for 
3,000 couples. 

Dr. Stokes has been editor of the South Carolina Baptist; 
he has also edited the Montgomery Helping Hand. He has< 
occupied the position of president of the Montgomery Acad- 
emy and of moderator of the Spring Hill Association — the 
latter for twenty-one years. He has also filled successfully 
the office of president of the Managing Committee of -the Un- 
ion Review; anjd is now treasurer of the National Baptist 
Convention!. 

Dr. Stokes is one of the wealthiest preachers in the United 
States. He owns three plantations, in\ Montgomery. Cren- 
shaw and Elmore counties, respectively. 

In 1885 he married Miss Essie Tucker. Two children. 
Lue Rosa and Hugo, were born of the union. 

Dr. Stokes is broad-minded and well informed on subjects 
of national and international interest, having traveled exten- 
sively in Europe, Egypt, Palestine and other countries. 

Dr. Stokes has achieved wide distinction in) the school of 
life's conflict, which is the surest test of deserving. And while 
he has been in many skirmishes fraught with danger, he has 
offered his life in many a hard-fought battle in) defense of the 
race. He is a great leader of a great people in a great cause, 
and the First Baptist Church of Montgomery — the largest in 
America — may well boast of one of the bravest and most com- 
manding' pastors of modern times. 



40 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



WILLIAM ABRAHAM CREDIT, A.B., AM.. B.O., 
D.D., LL.D. 



Scholar — Orator — Pastor First African Baptist Church — 
Founder of a University — President -Neiv England Bap- 
tist Convention. 



Reverend William Abraham Credit was born July 14, 
1864, at Baltimore, Maryland, to B. R. and Mary L. Credit. 

He attended the public 
schools and then, consecu- 
tively, Lincoln University, 
Newton Theological Insti- 
tution, and Boston School 
of Expression. Colleges 
have honored themselves 
by conferring upon this dis- 
tinguished member of the 
Afro - American race the 
the degrees of A.M., 
Ph.D., D.D., and LL.D. 

Dr. Credit was converted 
in Baltimore in 1876, and 
since that time his life has 
evidenced the high purpose 
that came to him with his 
change of heart and life. 
His influence has grown wider with each successive year until 
he now numbers many thousands among those who have re- 
ceived inspiration from his preaching. 

It has been given him to hold various positions of trust; to 
occupy many pulpits of importance. He has been an instructor 




Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptists. 41 

in the State University, Louisville, and in the State Normal 
School, Frankfort, Kentucky. He was the first to introduce 
the inductive method of teaching Latin, Greek and Hebrew in 
the State University. While at Frankfort he served as pastor 
of the Corinthian Baptist Church. From Frankfort Dr. Credit 
went as pastor to the Berean Baptist Church, Washington, D. 
C; and so acceptably did he serve the Berean congestion that 
it was with difficulty it released him to accept the very large 
and lucrative pastorate of the First African Baptist Church, 
Philadelphia, which he still occupies. 

His present charge is composed principally of professional 
people, whose combined wealth is nearly a million dollars,, anjd 
the edifice in which the people worship is valued at $ioo ; ooo. 
It is a model of elegance and beauty, well equipped with all 
modern appliances for the comfort and pleasure of its worship- 
ers, thereby attesting the fine aesthetic and artistic taste 'of the 
people. This is the oldest Negro church in the East, having 
been organized at the dawn of the nineteenth century. From 
its organization it has had but seven pastors, each having served 
well his time and generation. Dr. Credit, the seventh, erected 
the present edifice in 1909. It is institutional in nature, and the 
members are wisely taught to inculcate the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity; but thrift, virtue, education, business anld race unity 
are emphasized. 

Feeling the need of an institution that would give the 
colored youth an opportunity to learn the trades that would 
enable them to earn an independent support in the field cf 
competition, he founded the Downiington Industrial College 
and became its first president. The institution has grown to 
large proportions and is one of the best of its kind in the Key 
stone State. 

Because of his experience, great scholarship and executive 
ability he was elected president of the New England Baptist 
Convention, which he served faithfully and continuously for 
four years, He is now president of the) Cherry Building and 
Loan Association, treasurer of the Reliable Mutual Aid Life 



42 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

Insurance Company, founder of the first Colored Farmers' 
Alliance of Pennsylvania, and member of the Republican 
State Central Committee. 

Dr. Credit has made the best of the marty opportunities 
to aid his fellow-men, and his immense pergonal following in 
State and Nation attests his popularity and the confidence of 
the people in his leadership. 

Dr. Credit is brilliant and versatile ; he is a most able man 
—a forcible speaker, eloquent and earnest, deep in thought, 
but clear in language. His fame has gone abroad and his 
name is known and honored wheievei the qualities of energy, 
integrity, love and devotion to the race are recognized. A fine 
speech may be prepared and delivered without stirring an 
audience; but Dr. Credit has the faculty of not only writing 
addresses, but of penetrating, by means of a certain magnetic 
force, the minds and hearts of the most indifferent listeners 
and of firing them with a determination to make their lives 
worth while. 

Those who have a tendency to follow industrial pursuits 
are encouraged by Dr. Credit to attain the highest and most 
independent plane in their chosen trades; those who have the 
gift of special aptitude for the professions are given a start 
along the line of their wishes. 

Having been signally honored from time to time by the 
people of his State ; loved and respected by all who know him ; 
looked upon as one of the most eloquent men of modern times, 
liberal in education, profound in statesmauhhip, and safe in 
leadership — Dr. Credit may well feel proud of a record that 
shines oni with increasing brightness as the c phere of his pow- 
er and influence widens with the passing years. 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



43 



REVEREND CHARLES T. WALKER. LL.D. 



Farmer — School-Teacher — University Trustee — Pastor — Tem- 
perance Lecturer — Chaplain United States Army — Holy 
Land Traveler — "The Black Spur a eon" — Eloquent Min- 
ister. 



The Reverend Charles Thomas Walker, known as "The 
Black Spurgeon," was born near Hephzibalv, Georgia, on Feb- 
ruary 5, 1858, to Thomas 
and Hannah Walker, both 
amiable Christians The 
father died the day before 
the birth of Charles, and 
the mother, who enter- 
tained great hope.s for her 
youngest son, did not live 
to witness — in the body — 
his noble career. But Dr. 
Walker has always felt 
that from her exalted 
position in the better world 
she has seen and approved 
of that which he has done. 
A near relative of her for- 
mer master, eulogizing 
Mrs. Walker, said: 
"No marble headstone marks the spot where she was laid 
away, yet I am sure that the humble mound that covers her 
sleeping dust covers a heart as honest and faithful, as patient 
and gentle, as kindly and true, as any that rests, beneath the 
proudest monument that art could fashion or affection buy." 



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44 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

It was but natural that Dr. Walker, coming from a gener- 
ation of preachers, and bred amid religious surroundings, 
should choose the ministry as his profession. For seven years 
he experienced the hardships of slavery; then came freedom, 
and opportunities to mould his own future. 

At fifteen years of age, in June, 1873, Dr. Walker pro- 
fessed a hope in Christ. From thet time of his conversion he 
was an active and zealous Christian. He at once identified 
himself with church, Sunday-school and prayer-meeting serv- 
ices. The peculiar manner of Dr. Walker's conversion has 
been noted by his biographer in "The Life of Charles T. Walk- 
er," and his fasting for three days and nights in the woods, 
where he found the "Lord after a struggle lasting for seventy- 
two hours, brings to mind the trials and temptations of the 
Great Example — Jesus,. Having evidence of the divine call 
to the ministry, Dr. Walker resolved to prepare himself by 
enlisting the assistance of Dr. Robert,, an ex-slaveholder, who 
became president of the Augusta Institute, now Morehouse 
College, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Walker completed the literary 
and theological courses at that institution through the gener- 
ous aid of a Mr. Bierce, of Ohio, and was orclained in May, 

1877. 

His first pastorate was the Franklin Covenant Baptist 
Church, near Augusta; his second was at La Grange, where 
he founded the La Grange Academy. From there he 'was 
called to the Central Baptist Church, Augusjta, out of which 
grew the Tabernacle Church, now one of the largest in the 
State. He is still in charge of the Tabernacle Church. 

Dr. Walker was at one time manager of the Augusta 
Sentinel, and in 1893 he was director general of the Negro 
Exposition. One of his most important services to the race 
was the founding of the Old Folks' Home. i 

In 1891 Tabernacle Church sent Dr. Walker to the Holy 
Land, where he soent two months or more, visiting Alexan- 
dria, Cairo, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane and 
/points in continental Europe. On tfois trip Dr. Walker 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 45 

preached in Exeter Hall and Spurgeon's Tabernacle. London. 

He was connected with the organization of the National 
Baptist Convention, and since that time he has been a national 
figure. His vigorous defense' of the South against criticism 
by a Northern delegate brought him strongly before the pub- 
lic, and his intelligent, aggressive stand against those who dare 
to challenge the thrift and progress of the race mark him as 
a worthy defender of high ideals. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was received from State 
University, Louisville, Kentucky. 

Dr. Walker wears his honors modestly. There is noth- 
ing ostentatious about him; his appearance in, a convention is 
unattended by any air of importance. But when he is aroused 
the flash of his eyes, the gestures of his hands, the movements 
of hisl body, the thunder of his voice and the faultless yet in- 
cessant flow of English fairly lift his) hearers from their seatb 
and carry them away with him. 

He has served as chaplain in the Army of Occupation in 
Cuba, and he preached while there in 1898. His deportment 
was favorably commented upon, and his services for his 
country and brethren across the water were characteristic of 
the earnestness that makes him an idol and a hero at home. 

In 1899 Dr. Walker accepted a call to Mount Olivet Bap- 
tist Church, New York city, over the unanimous protest of 
Tabernacle Church. During his inlcumbency Mount Olivet 
Church increased three-fold, and each Sabbath hundreds were 
turned away, being unable to gain] admission to the building. 
Dr. Walker established the Y. M. C. A. in that city and it has 
since become one of the largest in the entire country. 

In 1901 he was recalled to Augusta^ but so anxious were 
the members of Mount Olivet Church to retain him that it 
was fully a year before he was able to make a favorable re- 
sponse. Upon his return the church at Augusta broadened 
the scope of its work, which became of national importance. 
Dr. Walker, who is still its pastor, has given! the Tabernacle 
prestige throughout! the United States. 



46 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Hq is without doubt the most eloquent minister! in Amer- 
ica, if not in the world. No church, hall or auditorium has 
ever been able to accommodate the thousands who have gath- 
ered to hear him from time to time. As a writer he possesses 
the rare faculty of stirring his readers to the depths of their 
religious natures — a difficult thing to do in cold type. As a 
leader he ranks with the foremost, having an army of personal 
followers. As an evangelist he is demonstrative and magnetic. 
He has brought thousands into the church, at Atlanta, Kansas 
City, Chicago and elsewhere. 

Ini 1879 Dr. Walker was married to Miss Violet Frank- 
lin, of Hephzibah, Georgia. Four children have been born 
to the union. Three of them are living at the present time. 

Dr. Walker has a history that is brim full of good' deeds ; 
jhe has occupied the center of the stage in the International 
Sunday-school Convention, in the National Baptist Convention, 
in the World Baptist Alliance and in the Convention of North 
America. He is at that agd when the young man is no more 
and the middle-aged starts upon his journey toward the even- 
ing of life. And as he nears the sunset glow that gives prom- 
ise of' a bright to-morrow, his name, as one of the world's im- 
mortals, will become indelibly impressed upon the hearts of 
his fellow-men. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



47 



RBVBRBXD ELISHA ARLINGTON WILSON, 
Ph.B., D.D. 



Boy Evangelist — Master of Language — President State Con- 
vention — Secretary K. P. Fraternity — Assistant Secretary 
National Convention. 



The Reverend Elisha Arlington Wilson, passionate or- 
ator, journalist, organizer of men and modern evangelist — a 

typical example of "t h e 
doctrine that the character 
impressed on a man at 
home follows him abroad,'' 
was born at Garland City, 
Arkansas, October 22, 
1876, to Bryant and Cath- 
erine Wilson, formerly of 
Virginia. Like Timothy, 
he was early taught the 
Scriptures. 

Dr. Wilson was reared 
in Texarkana, Texas, and 
educated at Bishop College, 
Marshall, Texas ; Christian 
University, Canton, M i s- 
souri ; and Kansas City 
University, Kansas City, 
Kansas. He was the second Negro to receive a college degree 
from the last named institution and the first Negro to receive 
that of Bachelor of Philosophy. The degree of Master of An- 
cient Literature was conferred upon him by Christian Uni- 




48 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

versity, and that of Doctor of Divinity by Eckstein Norton 
University, Cane Spring, Kentucky. 

In July, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Leurlean 
Snadon, a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Wilson is an alumna of 
Lincoln High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and studied 
music at Chicago Musical Conservatory. She is still a devotee 
of music, in which art she has made an unusual success. 

Dr. Wilson is at present pastor of the Metropolitan Bap- 
tist Church, Kansas City. Kansas; president Kansas Baptist 
Convention; recording secretary Western Baptist Convention 
and assistant secretary of the National Baptist Convention. 

The Doctor is a thirty-second degree Mason, and re- 
cording secretary of the National Grand Lodge of United 
Brothers and Sisters of Mysterious Tens of U. S. A. 

He is the author of "The Burning Message for the 
Young," "The Heavenly Vision," "Armageddon," "The King's 
Business," "Higher Ground," and other tracts and pamphlets. 

Dr. Wilson's personal property and real estate easily 
reach $10,000 or more. 

Since he was a boy fourteen years of age, he has labored 
successfully as an evangelist, and he is now one of the field 
workers with Drs. I. Tolliver, C. T. Walker, E. J. Fisher, H. 
R. Wilson and Tyler in the World-wide Evangelistic Cam- 
paign. Thousands have flocked to his evangelistic meetings 
from time to time and hundreds have professed to know the 
Lord through the power of his preaching. 

The rapid rise of Dr. Wilson has been phenomenal. For 
nearly fifteen years he hasi officiated with the best of results 
as pastor of one of the most intellectual congregations in his 
State, and for nine years he has been the popular leader of 
25,000 Baptists of Kansas. 

Under his administration as pastor a debt of $4,500 has 
been canceled, and a foundation for a "Greater Metropolitan" 
on; the institutional plan has been built, and he has acquired a 
membership that stands for all that is highest from a moral, 
intellectual and spiritual standpoint. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



49 



XThe Sunday forum, the? annual Chautauquas and the Re- 
ligious Congress which meet with the Metropolitan Church 
owe their origin to Dr. Wilson. He is a favorite with the 
young people and is greatly respected in the denomination. 
As a speaker he is persuasive, logical and fervid, and as a 
word-painter few men can excel him. A bright future awaits 
this eminent and much-loved divine, whose eloquence weaves 
in one golden web of divine oratory similes and symbols in 
setting forh the divine glory of Christ's transcendent excel- 
lence and mission. 



L. AM AS A KNOX. A.B., LL.B., LL.M. 



Blacksmith — Prominent Lazvyer — Civic Worker. 



L. Amasa Knox, of Kansas City, Mo., was born in Vir- 
ginia in 1869. At an early age he came under the domina- 
tion of religious thought and feel- 
ing, and joined the First Baptist 
Church of Sussex, Virginia, when he 
was eleven years old. 

Like many other young men who 
were inspired by the educational at- 
mosphere of a State which boasts of 
'the possession of one of the finest 
universities in America, he became 
imbued with a zeal for education and 
a thirst for higher things. Embracing 
the opportunities which the State afforded, he completed the 
college preparatory course at the Virginia Normal and Col- 
legiate Institute in 1890, and in 1894 graduated from the same 
institution with the degree of A.B. 




50 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

He had already decided on his professional career and 
had equipped himself for the study of law. In 1897 he was 
graduated from the Law Department of Howard University, 
with the degree of LL.B. and in the following year the degree 
of LL.M. was conferred upon him. He is the only colored 
man in Missouri — the State of his adoption — holding the lat- 
ter degree. 

Mr. Knox is a conservative., dignified Christian gentle- 
man 1 — quiet, thoughtful, and unostentatious. He is admit- 
tedly one of the ablest attorneys at the Kansas City bar, and 
he commands respect before the courts. He believes in at- 
tending strictly to business. He is absolutely frank and hon- 
est with his clients^ and by that means has built up a solid, 
substantial and growing practice. Mr. Knox is a credit to the 
race and an honor to his profession and denomination. 

Mr. Knox started life as a blacksmith, thereby earning 
money to support himself while in school. He is not only 
learned in his profession, but he is also a most effective pub- 
lic speaker and a civic worker who is using all his influence in 
favor of much-needed reforms. 

Mr. Knox is married and much of his success is due to 
the timely assistance of his; wife, Mrs. Clara T. Knox. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 51 



REVEREND DANIEL A. SCOTT, Th.B., D.D. 
Austin, Texas. • 



Sunday-School Missionary of the American Baptist Publication 
Society — Pastor — Leader — Orator — Hard Student. 



The great State of Texas has never produced a more 
favored son than the subject of this sketch. With a keen 

brain, a high ambition, he 
carved his own; way 
through hardships and pri- 
vations to a place of honor 
among the truly great men. 
The Reverend Daniel A. 
Scott was born in Travis 
County, near Austin; Tex- 
as, on December 5, 1863. 
He was educated in the 
public /schools of Austin 
and in Bishop College, Mar- 
shall, Texas, where he dis- 
tinguished himself as a hard 
student and a deep thinker. 
Dr. Scott entered the min- 
istry with the conviction 
that the greatest progress 
could be made by working for the advancement of the young 
people of the race. He realized that through them would the fu- 
ture be determined ; that they must be trained to fill useful posi- 
tions in the world ; that they must be educated both in relation 
to the knowledge to be obtained from books and in the trades 




52 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

and the professions. With the high purpose of devoting him- 
self to the good of his fellow-men — of consecrating himself 
to the cause of the development of all that is best in the 
Negro — Dr. Scott connected himself with every movement 
looking to the uplift of the people. For more than twenty 
years) he has been a prominent figure in the Lone Star State. 
He) has filled successful pastorates at Austin and) at Marshall, 
where he built large church edifices and strengthened the 
memberships. When he decided to take up general denomi- 
national work, he was invited to return to the pastorate, by a 
unanimous vote of both congregations which he had served, 
but he felt that the Lord had other things for him to do. 

Dr. Scott has occupied high positions at various times. 
He was general secretary of the Baptist M. and E. Conven- 
tion; president of Houston College for seven years; and gen- 
eral superintendent of the Sunday-school and Bible work of 
the State Convention and of 4 the American Baptist Publication 
Society, jointly. His influence over young persons enables 
Dr. Scott to perform most acceptable services for the denom- 
ination and for Christianity in general. He was presiding 
officer of the State Sunday-school Convention for twelve 
years. 

Dr. Scott was a brilliant staff correspondent of the 
Western Star, and he has been editor of the Texas Head- 
light and of Truth. 

As a conductor of Bible institutes he has made a record 
which younger men might well imitate. 

Dr. Scott owns some valuable real estate in Austin. He 
enjoys also the happy association of a devoted wife, one 
daughter and five splendid sons. 

He is regarded as one of the most eloquent and persuasive 
Baptist preachers of the country. His pulpit manner is grace- 
ful; his arguments are logical and convincing; his style is 
clear and he possesses a ready commanjcL of good English. 
He is highly spiritual and his delivery is forceful. 

Not the least among the attainments of Dr. Scott is a 



Who's Who Among the Cowred Baptists. 53 

well-trained, melodious voice. He has been called a "sweet 
singer in .Israel." 

All the talents of this eminent divine have been used 
unstiritingly for the glory of God and for the betterment of 
humanity. 

Dr. Scott undoubtedly has many years before him, be- 
ing in the prime of life, and if the future is to be judged 
by the past, he will be heard' from again andl he will continue 
to set an example worthy of emulation by the young people of 
the denomination and of the race — the leaders to come. 

Dr. Scott's name is a synonym for earnestness, capabil- 
ity, faithfulness and unselfishness. ' 



54 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



B. M. GRIGGS, D.D. 



Minister — Financier — Race Advocate — Indefatigable Worker. 



Some men are satisfied to give only the best they have in 
whatever capacity they serve for the assistance of their com- 
rades and fellows, and our 
sketch is a man of this kind. 
The Reverend E. # M. 
Griggs was born March 
5th, 1865, in Red River 
County, near Clarksville, 
Texas. His father died 
when the boy was only six 
weeks old, hence he w a s 
brought up by a widowed 
mother. He leoeived his 
education at Bishop C o 1- 
lege, graduating with the 
degree of B.Th. For a num- 
ber of years he served as 
pastor of the Webt Union 
Baptist Church, Palestine, 
Texas, succeeding Elder 
R. H. Boyd, D.D., LL.D., of Nashville, Tennessee. He was 
moderator of the Zion Hill Baptist Association, and was the 
first moderator in Texas to locate an association on a camp- 
ground of sixty acres of land, where meetings are held annually. 
Mr. Griggs has been for several years district secretary 
of the National Baptist Convention of America, which posi- 
tion he now holds. He is also , president of the Farmers' and 




Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 55 

Citizens' Savings Bank of Palestine, Texas, the largest Afro- 
American bank in the State. It has a paid-up capital of 
$45,000, and its resources are more than $81,000 

Mr. Griggs i$ State organizer of the State Negro Busi- 
ness League of Texas; a member of the Board of Directors 
of the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of 
Texas; a member of the B. Y. P. U. Board of the National 
Baptist Convention. 

He believes that religion and business should go together, 
and through his efforts much encouragement has been given to 
Afro-Americans who desire to engage in enterprises of a 
higher and more profitable nature than that in which the col- 
ored man usually embarks. 

Mr. Griggs is a race advocate of the best type. He sees 
the possibilities of the future for the people and is using all 
his energies for their advancement. 

Among his elements of strength is his force of character, 
which shines with the lustre of a golden sun in a cloudless sky. 
His word alone is as good as a certified check and his life is 
an open book. He is a strong believer in an educated min- 
istry, but above it a converted heart and a life of purity. 
Such men as Griggs are ever in demand to hurl with the sword 
of truth the) fiery darts of sin from the hearts; of men. 



56 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



RBVBRBND WILLIAM BECKHAM, D.D. 



Self-Made Man—Great Minister — Lecturer— Field Secretary 
National Baptist Publishing Board — One of the Best Fin- 
anciers of the Race. 




The Reverend William Beckham was born in Pike County, 
Georgia, in 1866, to James and Nancy Beckham. As the 

parents were very poor, William 
had few educational advantages ex^- 
cept those which he secured through 
his own efforts. But he had the 
will, and made the best possible use 
of the facilities afforded by the 
public schools in his native State. 
Soon after he entered his "teens'* 
his parents migrated to Texas, 
where the son continued his studies 
in the town schools at Bonham, He 
evinced a great thirst for knowl- 
edge, always leading in his, classes 
and taking first rank as a debater and public speaker. 

Dr. Beckham was converted in 1880 and united with the 
Baptist Church. In November, 1891, he was called to the 
ministry, and his ordination took place in the same year. 

He is a deep student of theology and a veritable store- 
house of information upon leading topics of the day. His 
manner of speaking and his choice of words are peculiarly his 
own, and he can hold an audienjce spell-bound for hours, ad- 
vancing from one poirft to another with increasing power. 
In recognition of his brilliant services, Guadalupe College, 



Who's Who Among the Coi<ored Baptists. 57 

Texas, and Friendship College, South Carolina, conferred up- 
on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 

After filling the pastorate at Abilene, Texas, .for some 
time, Dr. Beckham was elected general superintendent of 
Baptist Sunday-school Missions, in wfrch position he acquit- 
ted himself most creditably. He is ripw field secretary of 
the National Baptist Publishing Board, located at Nashville, 
Tennessee. 

Dr. Beckham is one of the foremost preachers of the 
Afro- American race. As a lecturer he is witty; pointed and 
exceedingly entertaining; as a money-raiser in the mission 
field he is a signal success. He is respected and loved by his 
brethren. He is plain in speech, and at times may be consid- 
ered almost rough in his methods of expression, but he is so 
only to drive his arguments home the more forcibly. 

Dr. Beckham has traveled extensively in Europe. He 
was one of the delegates to the World Missionary Conference 
at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1910. 

In view of the fact that he is yet comparatively young, 
his future is before him, and God will unquestionably use him 
to accomplish a # great work in the interest; of the race and 
denomination. And judging by the past, that work will be 
undertaker* with cheerfulness and courage, and pursued to 
completion with strength and determination. 



58 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PRESIDENT JOSEPH ALBERT BOOKER, 
A.B., A.M., D.D. 



Professor of Mathematics and Languages — Critic — College 
President — Editor — Great Disciplinarian. 



The Reverend Joseph Albert Booker was born at Port- 
land, Arkansas, on December 26, 1859, to Albert and Mary 

Booker. He was a prom- 
ising child, almost from the 
cradle, and long before he 
reached his tenth year he 
was the neighborhood critic 
and mathematician. He ac- 
cepted no theories without 
good reason, and was often 
so inquisitive that he was 
nicknamed "the question- 
box." Though poor, his 
parents decided that their 
gifted son should have the 
benefit of the best possible 
education. Having pre- 
pared himself in the public 
schools of his native vil- 
lage, he was sent to Roger 
Williams University, Nashville, Tennessee. 

He went straight from the plantation to the University — 
he had previously united with the Baptist Church at Portland, 
Arkansas — and attracted the attention of both professors and 
students because of his brilliant mind. While in college he 
excelled in mathematics and Latin. He was exceedingly fond 




Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 59 

of Cicero's Orations, which, no doubt, had something to do 
with his developing into a great orator. 

After taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts, he returned 
to Arkansas as a teacher in the public schools, which position 
he retained for ten years, He won the confidence of pupils 
and patrons, and it was with reluctance that they released him, 
in order that he might accept the office of State missionary. 

But God had a higher position for the young educator, 
and the Arkansas Baptists were determined that he should fill 
that place. He was therefore unanimously elected to the 
presidency of the Arkansas Baptist College, and he has amply 
demonstrated the wisdom of their choice. He has been con- 
tinuously elected annually for the past twenty-five years. 

Dr. Booker has taken the school out of the second-class 
list and placed it among the finest colleges of the country. Its 
students may be found in every walk of life. They are in the 
pulpit ; at the bar, pleading the) cause of the oppressed among 
their fellow-creatures ; at the teacher's desk ; or at the bedside 
of the sick, ministering with care and judgment to those who 
are the victims ofv disease. 

The Arkansas College has grown to enormous propor- 
tions and matriculates annually more than six hundred stu- 
dents. Her buildings are modern, her appliances are of the 
most improved kind, and her instructors number twenty-four. 
The property is valued at $80,000. 

•In 1887 Dr. Booker married Miss Mary J. Caver, and 
eight bright, promising children are the result of the union. 
One — Mattie Alberta — is a teacher of music. 

In recognition of his rare attainments, the degree of A.M. 
was conferred upon Mr. Booker by his Alma Mater. He has 
also received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from two or 
more colleges. 

Dr. Booker is a man of honor, an apostle of temperance 
and of industrial reform, as well as an advocate of higher edu- 
cation for the Negro. He is a fine editorial writer and an ex- 
ceptionally good critic. 



60 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

As an orator he has attained national fame. It has been 
said of him that he was neither born great nor was greatness 
thrust upon him, nevertheless he has become on|e of the 
greatest men of the Afro-American race; and that through 
his own efforts — not by vain self-seeking, but by sincere en- 
deavor to; lift his fellow-men upon a more independent plane. 
He is like other famous leaders — so absorbed in service to 
others that he has grown, gradually but surely, into a prom- 
inent figure in the race and the denomination. His devotion 
to the interests of the institution! over which he presides — his 
self-forgetfulnjess — cannot but continue to t. dound to his 
credit. As a pedagogue of the first rank he has gently 
woven into the lives of those about him the ideals of true 
greatness that have sent forth into the world such leaders as 
J. P. Robinson and R. M. Caver, who occupy a commanding 
position in the eye of the public. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 6i 



ALEXANDER S. JACKSON, D.D. 



Receiver of Public Funds — University Regent — Traveler in 
Egypt — Strong Pastor — Ideal Christian. 



Unlike the majority of young men, tiur sketch was blessed 
with an indulgent father, who offered every encouragement to 

the unfolding of his grasp- 
ing intellect, and, unlike 
many young men, he made 
good use of his oppor- 
tunities. 

Alexander S. Jackson, soni 
of the Reverend Andrew 
and Charlotte Jackson, was 
born onl the 4th day of 
May, 1858. The father was 
a pioneer pastor ; hence the 
boy was surrounded with 
religious influences from 
the time of his birth. He 
united with the Baptist 
Church at an early a g e, 
and as a foundation for his 
future ministerial duties he 
entered Atlanta University. He was among the first to ma- 
triculate in that institution and Clark Theological Seminary, 
both established by Northern philanthropists. 

After receiving a substantial education, Dr. Jackson be- 
came a teacher in the public schools of Georgia and Missis- 
sippi. He taught successfully for many years, during the 




62 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

last seven of which he was principal of the State School for 
Negroes at Jackson. 

But God intended that his talents should be exerted in a 
higher field of usefulness and he was ordained and called to 
the pastorate of the Tulane Avenue Baptist Church, New Or- 
leans. For eighteen years he labored in that church, develop- 
ing it into the! strongest colored church in the city. 

He was one of the prime movers in the reorganization of 
the Louisiana Baptist State Convention and of the National 
Baptist Convention, and was for two years president of the 
latter. 

While at New Orleans Dr. Jackson was made regent of 
Leland University and chairman of the board. 

In 1892, so widely known had he become as a leader of 
thought and a theologian!, he was elected a member of the 
Advisory Committtee of the World Parliament of Religions 
held' in connection with the Columbian Exposition at Chicago, 
Illinois. The manner in which he discharged the duties of 
the position reflected great credit upon him and did much to 
make his name a household word. 

In 1899 New Hope Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, real- 
izing that Dr. Jackson was' the man of the hour, invited him 
to her pulpit, where such distinguished divines as A. R. Griggs 
and E. W. Isaac had officiated. He accepted the call, much 
against' the wishes of both the white and black citizens of New 
Orleans. He still serves the New Hope Church, which has 
become! one of the most important missionary churches in the 
United States. During his, administration a, $40,000 house of 
worship has been erected, and that without incurring a 
mortgage. 

Dr. Jackson has probably addressed a larger number of 
national gatherings of whites than any other Negro Baptist 
minister. Three times he appeared before the Northern Bap- 
tist Convention by invitation, and he has also been the hon- 
ored speaker at the Southern Baptist Convention, held in 
Kansas City, Missouri, ) 



' Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 63 

Although Dr.. Jackson is not in any sense a politician, he 
was appointed receiver of public moneys at New Orleans 
during President Harrison's administration, and his appoint- 
ment was promptly confirmed by the Senate without dissension. 

Dr. Jackson was a delegate to the World Missionary Con- 
ference, Edinburgh. Scotland, in 19 10, ancl while abroad he 
visited the prominent cities of Europe and toured Egypt and 
Palestine. He is a close student of the Bible, and both his 
sermons and his lectures are intensely interesting. 

The Doctor has been married twice. His first wife, Miss 
Laura Augusta Mason, died years ago. Three children of 
this union still survive. His present companion, Alice Morse 
Jackson, was formerly a teacher of Xew Orleans. Two fine 
boys have blessed their marriage. 

Dr. Jackson received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from the famous State University. Louisville. Kentucky. He 
is a strong temperance advocate and an untiring worker for 
all that stands for Christian manhood. He is fully abreast of 
the times, and no man is doing more -to bring about harmony 
between the races than he. Dr. Jackson grows bigger in the 
hearts of his brethren as the years go by. 



64 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 
G. C. F. CURRY, B.Th. 



Forceful Speaker — Promising Young Divine — Moderator of 
Large Association — President Stockholders' Board of 
Guadalupe College. 



The Reverend G. C. F. Curry, the energetic and highly 
esteemed moderator of Guadalupe Association, was born De- 
cember i, 1872, in Guadalupe County, near Seguin, Texas. 
He was converted and baptized by Dr. W. B. Ball, in August, 
1885, and was married to Miss Tillie Phillip?, a promising 
young teacher, of Seguin, in 1893. 

Mr. Curry graduated from the Theological Department of 
Guadalupe College in 1904. He began active ministerial work 
immediately, and has served as pastor in the following 
churches: Zion Hill, Seguin; Riddleville; Sweet Canaan, 
Kingsbury ; New Providence, Prairie Lea ; First Baptist, Ma- 
son; Lone Oak, Lockhart; St. Mary's, Austin; Terrisville, 
Gonzales. He is now connected in a ministerial capacity with 
Mount Zion First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas. 

Dr. Curry is president of the Stockholders' Board of 
Guadalupe College, and he is also a member of the Educa- 
tional Board of the General Convention. For a number of 
years he was treasurer of the District Sunday-school Con- 
vention and treasurer of the Association. 

As a public speaker, Dr. Curry is magnetic. He is force- 
ful, clear and logical. As a religious guide he is wise and 
earnest. He has already won the distinction of being a suc- 
cessful evangelist, having brought many souls to Christ. He 
is regarded in the denomination as one of* the most promising 
young divines in the Southwest, and there is no doubt that 
he will attain still greater heights than those which he has 
thus far reached. 

There is no nobler life than that which is consecrated to 
the work of bringing men and women into a better life, and 



• Who Is Who Among the Colored Baptists. 65 

Dr Curry has devoted his entire talents to the service of God. 
teaching those who come under his influence how to become 

good Christians-good citizens, good fathers and mothers. 







mmm&m 




Mount Zion First Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas. 
Rev. G. C. F. Curry B.Th., Pastor. 



%, 




m Mm 




W 




tiit^liliiaiiili 



■HP 



Second Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas. 

Rev. I. H. KBtiiV, Pastor, 

(Valuation, $100,000.) 



Who ^s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



67 



REVEREND I. H. KELLY, B.Th., D.D. 



Builder of $100,000 Edifice — President B. Y. P. U. State Con- 
vention — Model Pastor — Gifted Citizen. 



The Reverend I. H. Kelly is the pastor of the Second 
Baptist Church at San Antonio, Texas, one of the most im- 
posing in the country, built 
at an expense of $100,000; 
!kv a cut of which is presented 

elsewhere. Rev. Kelly, is 
a model pastor and has a 
congregation which works 
in harmony with his ideas 
and appreciates all that he 
dees for the good of the 
people. 

The young divine is a 
graduate of Guadalupe 
College, finishing in the 
Theological Department at 
Seguin, Texas., in 1899. 
He holds man}' honorable 
positions in the Baptist 
d e nomination, being ex- 
moderator of the Guada- 
lupe Association ; president 
of the State B. Y. P. U. 
General Convention of Texas ; member of the Board of Trust- 
ees of Guadalupe College, and member of the Old Ministers' 
Relief Board of the General Baptist Convention of Texas. 
Mr. Kelly is esteemed one of the most promising among 




68 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

the ministers of the country. He is enthusiastic and has a 
faculty of transmitting his enthusiasm to those with whom he 
comes in contact. He has already acquired a wide influence 
for good. 

The problems that confront the Afro- American race in 
regard to its future welfare are deeply felt by Mr. Kelly, and 
he will continue to labor, as he has in the past, for the solution 
of those problems in an intelligent manner. 

He is earnest, energetic and strong in faith, believing that 
great things can be done for the uplift of. humanity. His in- 
terest in the members of the church extends to plans for 
material benefit, as well as for moral and religious develop- 
ment. He understands that body, soul and mind must ad- 
vance together — in unison, and his labors cannot but be blessed 
with a large measure of success. No man in the State is 
more highly respected and no man of his years has accom- 
plished more in the field of moral, spiritual and business uplift 
than Brother Kelly, whose life is an incentive to every ambi- 
tious son of Ham. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



69 



REVEREND MOSES JOHNSON. 



Example of High Moral Character — Dezoted Minister — Faith- 
ful Christian — Kind Father and Husband. 

(Published by request of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas.) 



The Reverend Moses Johnson was a pioneer Baptist min- 
ister, full of good works. August 16, 1847, was tne day of 

his birth, and he died May 
18, 1898. He was the pas- 
tor of Mount Rose Baptist 
Church, Brenham, Texas, 
for twenty-two years. Mr. 
Johnson was ordained by 
Dr. Crane (white) and Dr. 
Burlson (white), of Bay- 
lor University. 

He was the father of fif- 
teen children, fourteen of 
whom, and a widow, still 
survive him. 

During Mr. Johnson's 
pastorate at Brenham he 
received into the church 
and baptized more than 
1,500 members. Under his leadership the numerical strength 
of the church was increased to 1,200. 

Mr. Johnson was a friend to education and a man of 
strong morals. Although his opportunities were limited, he 
had a thorough understanding of the doctrines of the Baptist 
Church. His learning came from the old white minister at 




70 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Independence, Texas, who gave to him lectures on history and 
Church doctrines. Mr. Johnson's memory never failed him. 
He was loved and revered by white and colored people alike. 
At the funeral the pall-bearers were white men, who shed 
tears as freely as did the family and intimate friends. One 
of the pall-bearers stated that he himself did not feel worthy 
to kiss Uncle Moses' feet. 

His life was an example of earnest, faithful work — of 
kindness and patience. He was a devoted husband and father, 
a sincere Christian who labored unceasingly in the Lord's 
vineyard, saving many souls. 

Mr. Johnson still lives in the hearts of his fellow-citizens, 
both the white and colored. And because of his good deeds 
his influence will continue to be felt through those who have 
been inspired by him to enter upon the Christian life. "Peace 
be to his ashes." 



Who '$ Who Among The Colored Baptists. 



7i 



REVEREND F. L. LIGHTS, D.D. 



Minister — Banker — Leader of Men — Model Pastor — President 
Foreign Mission Convention. 



F. L. Lights is in the fore rank of Baptist preachers. Born 
in' the State of Louisiana, on July 4th, 1859, he baffled every 

obstacle to improvement. 
At the age of twelve years 
he was located at Bryan, 
Texas, where he attended 
the city schools. At a later 
period he entered Hearne 
Academy — her first student. 
He was a hard worker, 
careful and exact, and did 
not hesitate to apply him- 
self closely to the studies 
of the course in order to 
acquire an education. He 
was never satisfied with 
a half-learned lesson, but 
took pains to fix the points 
to be mastered firmly in his 
mind. And to this quality is due, in a large degree, his suc- 
cess in life. 

He was converted at an early age, and having been called 
to the mnistry, he kept that in view throughout his school 
career. 

As a pastor Dr. Lights has won the encomiums of all who 
know what he has achieved. He has erected several large 




72 Who ; s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

church edifices, chief among them Antioch Church, at Hous- 
ton, Texas. The building is valued at $85,000. 

As president of the Orgen Banking Copmany Dr. Lights 
has demonstrated his financial strength. 

As president of the Foreign Mission Convention he has 
shown what may be accomplished through energy and 
perseverance. 

Dr. Lights has traveled extensively abroad, and has been 
enabled thereby to study the condition of other peoples. He 
has plans for the uplift of the Afro-American race, and is 
turning all of his talents to the realization of those plans. His 
eloquence as an orator has attracted wide-spread, attention ; his 
earnestness and integrity have aided him to reach thousands 
whose hearts might not otherwise have been touched. With 
the assistance of his faithful wife, Dr. Lights has brought 
about many needed reforms. Only a few months ago Mrs. 
Lights was summoned to her reward. 

It has been said that Louisiana never gave birth to a no- 
bler member of the race than F. L. Lights. He has often been 
referred to as '"'the model pastor of Texas." And these say- 
ings are evidences of his standing among his own congregation 
and the denomination at large. 

"The best in any calling is not its emoluments, but its op- 
portunities to lay down life for others." This has been the 
motto of our brother, who feels that "the world needs onily 
those who are willing to subordinate ambition to service, self- 
seeking to patriotism." 

There is no doubt but that Dr. Lights has a great future — 
one of usefulness anKi influence beyond anything in his brilliant 
past. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptises. 



73 



RICHARD HENRY BOYD, LL.D. 



Born in Slavery — Educated in the School of Adversity — Au- 
thor — Founder of Baptist Publishing House — President 
of Penny Savings Bank — The Man of Action. 



The Reverend Richard Henry Boyd, of Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, is one of the most interesting personalities on the 

American continent, if not 
in the world. He was born 
in Knox County, Mississip- 
pi, 1846. He was denied 
every- opportunity to ac- 
quire ary education and 
was regarded as little more 
than a beast of burden, 
n e v ertheless he emerged 
from a childhood of slavery 
into a manhood of inde- 
pendence ; out of ignor- 
ance to the noble sphere 
of intellectual ambition 
and achievement. He was 
twenty years old before he 
w a s allowed to open a 
book. Freedom gave Mr. 
Boyd the opportunity he 
desired; for it removed this cruel restrction, and he set im- 
mediately to work, learning to read and write in a very 
short time, and this, too, without the aid of a teacher. 
Mr. Boyd worked at manual labor each day, while he studied 
each night. This method was kept up until, at the age of 




74 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

forty, he decided to enter Bishop College, Marshall, Texas, 
to prepare himself for the ministry, to which he felt divinely 
called. He spent only six months, at Bishop, when poverty 
drove him 'away. But. Boyd's soul was afire; his mind assim- 
ilated the contents of the best books readily. "Self -improve- 
ment" became his motto, and it has made him one of the 
strong men of the times. 

Leaving Bishop College, Mr. Boyd accepted a large pas- 
torate in the State,, and while so occupied made it one of the 
most useful to every phase of denominational work. \ 

Mr. Boyd first came into, prominence as a national char- 
acter when the National Baptist Convention convened in Kan- 
sas City, Missouri, in the fall of 1898. He conceived the 
idea of having the National Baptist Convention found a pub- 
lishing house, not only to furnish literature to the several 
thousand Sunday-schools of the connection, but to give em- 
ployment to hundreds of worthy young men and women in 
the various departments of the institution as well as to illus- 
trate the capabilities of the Negro. The resolution passed 
amidst a storm of excitement, with Boyd occupying the cen- 
ter of the stage. Mr. Boyd went to Nashville, surrounded 
himself with such men as C. H. Clark and J. P. Robinson, and 
began actively to plan for the largest Negro publishing con- 
cern in the world. Whenj the first literature came out-, it was 
called "Negro Backs" ; so called because the plates used in 
making up the forms were furnished by the Southern Baptist 
Convention Publishing House. But Boyd was not to be disr- 
couraged. While others laughed his efforts to scorn, he 
worked the harder, and God has rewarded his efforts with a 
plant now valued at $400,000, which employs more than 150 
persons. As corresponding secretary of the National Bap- 
tist Publishing Board, Mr. Boyd has rendered greater service 
to the denomination than any other? He has given prestige 
to the Board at home and abroad, and has been the means of 
bringing about co-operation in missionary work between the 
Southern and the National Baptist Conventions. Through 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 75 

him several business enterprises, aside from the denomina- 
tional work in which he is engaged, have been formed. Among 
them is the Nashville One Cent Savings Bank, of which he is 
president, and through whose efforts it has become one of the 
strongest in Nashville. 

Mr. Boyd is vice-president of the Negro National Busi- 
ness League and president of a local league. He is a 
high Mason and connected with the fraternal order of 
United Brothers of Friendship and the Immaculates. Doctor 
Boyd is author of several books and pamphlets dealing with 
Sunday-school work and methods. Amcng them may be men- 
tioned: The Teacher's Class Book (1897), Sunday-school 
Record Book (1897), National Baptist Easy Lesson Primer 
(1898), "The Bible As My Mother Taught It to Me" (1898),, 
Baptist Catechism and Doctrine (1899), The National Bap- 
tist Pastor's Guide (1900), Baptist Statistics and Sunday- 
school Text-book (1902), "What Baptists Believe and Prac- 
tice" (1902), National Baptist Hymnal (1903), National Bap- 
tist Commentary (1904), and The National Baptist Church 
Record, published in 1906. In recognition of his ability and 
piety, his work for the Master and the race, Guadalupe Col- 
lege, Seguin, Texas, conferred upon him! the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity, and Agricultural College, Huntsville. Alabama, 
befittingly gave him the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

Doctor Boyd is simplicity personified, being void of all 
ostentatiousness, and makes no effort at oratory. He is slow 
of speech and takes great pains to weigh every word with em- 
phasis on the cardinal points lof his address. He is a man of 
action and is careful to never disclose his plans until he is 
ready to put them into execution. He is a willing listener to 
every orj)e giving advice, but he is one man who never tells 
what he is likely to do next. 

Doctor Boyd is a friend to young men and has assisted 
many, both financially and otherwise, in their struggles for an 
education. 

Mr. Boyd has traveled in various parts of the United 



76 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



States, the insular possessions and! upon continental Europe, 
visiting London, England, in 1905, as delegate to the World 
Baptist Alliance, arid while abroad visited many points in 
France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. 

Mrs. Boyd has been a constant companion and source of 
comfort to Dr. Boyd in all his undertakings. Their son, 
Henry Allen, now assistant manager of the publishing house 
and prime mover in the Young People's Congress, is a young 
man of sober habits, thrift and resourcefulness, capable of 
doing- great good for the people at large. 



M. P. HALL, A.M., D.D. 



College Presiden t — Financier — Leader. 



The Reverend M. P. Hall has richly rewarded his par- 
ents and his friends for the encouragement given him during 

his school days. With a 
liberal vision' of duty and a 
well-proportioned - b o : d y. 
mind and; soul, he has been 
able . to gather about him 
and foster a number of en- 
terprises looking to racial 
advancement. He was born 
in Chester County, South 
Carolina, in M a y, 1859 
His parents were the Rev- 
erend Thomas and Mrs. 
Eliza Hall. At an early 
age he was sent to the com- 
mon schools. Subsequent- 
ly he received instruction at Chester, and still later at Benedict 




Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 77 

College, Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from both 
schools. Since that time he has taken a post-graduate course 
and has been honored with a degree by Benedict College. 
Guadalupe College and Morris Brown College conferred upon 
him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 

At present Dr. Hall is president of Friendship College, 
founded in 1891, at Rockhill, South Carolina. He has occu- 
pied that position from the time of its inception, twenty-one 
vears ago. The school is one of the best in the State of South 
Carolina. Its diplomas are recognized in the granting of first- 
grade certificates and hundreds of teachers have gone out to 
carry education among the people. 

The dissemination of knowledge has been going on at a 
rapid rate since the establishment of institutions of learning 
for the Xegroes. Wonderful advancement has been 1 made, 
and Friendship Normal and Industrial College is not the least 
among the schools that are conducting the work. Whatever 
it has accomplished, much credit is due to Dr. Hall, who has 
devoted his life to its prosperity. 

Whenever a noble institution is built up we may know 
that there is a giant intellect behind it. Some one has applied 
all his energies to making it a factor in the educational or in- 
dustrial world. Someone is employing all of his talents and 
time that the race may be benefited. Friendship has been 
fortunate indeed to have had the services of Dr. Hall from the 
period of its origin. Aided by faithful assistants, he has 
brought the college into the foreground* of the seats of learn- 
ing in the South. 

Dr. Hall's excellent judgment, his kindness of heart, his 
happy faculty of bringing out that which is best in each per- 
son with whom he comes in contact, have constituted him a 
most remarkable man, beloved by his pupils, and respected by 
all who know him. 



78 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



CHARLES L. ROBERTS, D.D. 



Safe Leader — Strong Pastor — Business Man. 



The high esteem in which our sketch is held is shown by 
his long service as pastor in the city of his birth. Eloquence 

alone is not responsible for 
his hold upon a grateful 
and well-informed people. 
It is the righteous life 
charged w i t h intelligence 
and surcharged with busi- 
ness traits that makes our 
brother grow larger in the 
hearts of the people each 
day. 

The Reverend Chas. L. 
Roberts was born August 
26th. 185 1, at Cheney ville, 
Loui siana. At fourteen 
years of age he accepted 
Christ, and in 1868 he was 
licensed to preach the gos- 
pel. Two years later he 
married his present faithful wife. His ordination took place 
at Leland University, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1875. 

Dr. Roberts is pastor of thiee of the leading churches in 
the State, with a membership of 1038, and property valued at 
$13,461.85. He was also president of the Eighth District 
Association for ten years. 

The Reverend Mr. Roberts is a business man. He is the 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 79 

organizer of the Relief and Burial Association, a flourishing 
fraternal order of Cheneyville, that has several thousand dol : 
lars on deposit for the relief of the* distressed. 

The Cheneyville Academy is a monument to his energy 
and executive ability. It has performed a noble work, send- 
ing out young persons well prepared to take an active part in 
the world. The influence of an institution of learning such 
as the Cheneyville Academy can hardly be over-estimated. In 
this age standards have been raised and thorough training is 
required for the masses. Dr. Roberts has realized this and he 
has bent all of his energies to doing his share toward the dis- 
semination of knowledge. He is distinguished as an earnest, 
sincere and capable minister, the result of whose labors will 
continue to live long after he has passed into the Great 
Beyond. 



8o 



Who's Who Among thk Colored Baptists. 



MRS. M. A. B. SMITH. 



Prominent Missionary Worker — Corresponding Secretary 
Woman's Convention — Editress. 



Mrs. M. A. B. Smith, of Austin, Texas, is one of the rep- 
resentative women of the Afro-American race. She has given 

her best energies to the up- 
lift of the people, laboring 
unceasingly along both re- 
ligious and e d u c a tional 
lines. 

Mrs. Smith is corre- 
sponding secretary of the 
Woman's Auxiliary, Gen- 
eral Baptist State Conven- 
tion of Texas. The pres- 
ent status of the work is 
-lue to her efforts. The Mis- 
sionary Training School 
of Guadalupe is directly 
under her fostering care. 
The salary of the teacher 
is paid through the influ- 
ence of Mrs. Smith among 
the sisters of the State. 
She edits the literature of 
the societies, and has ar- 
ranged matters so that supplies are regularly distributed and 
the societies are becoming more andj more intelligent with ref- 
erence to the management of missionary work by the Church. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 8i 

Woman's work presents a great field for development, 
particularly in relation to missions. Mrs. 'Smith has recog- 
nized the need and has come forward nobly, patiently devoting 
herself to the cause, and accomplishing remarkably good, re- 
sults. There is no doubt but that the future will show still 
greater/ achievements, and that a vast amount of good will be 
performed both directly and indirectly through the exer- 
tions of Mrs. Smith and those who have become interested 
through her. 

She is endowed with ability, judgment and courage, the 
three important requisites to success. The State Convention 
is fortunate in securing her services and the National Wom- 
an's Convention of Baptists, with which she is conspicuously 
identified, recognizes her loyalty and generous support to that 
organization. 



82 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND HARDIN SMITH. 



Pioneer Preacher — Excellent Organizer. 



The Reverend Hardin Smith was born at Blue Springs. 
Missouri, in the year 1848. His parents died while fie was 

very young, and he became 
the foster-child of Charles 
and Elizabeth Johnson, of 
I n d e p endence, Missouri. 
During the latter part of 
the Civil War he became 
separated 'from them. He 
was converted in 1867, be- 
ing baptized into the Sec- 
ond Baptist Church of In- 
dependence, Missouri. In 
1868 he was licensed to 
preach. His first pastor- 
ate was at Lexington, Mis- 
souri, and since that time 
he has served with much 
success in Missouri., Kan- 
sas and Illinois. He has 
organized the following churches : First Baptist, Salt Pond ; 
Second Baptist, Higginsville ; First Baptist, Olathe; Second 
Baptist, Rock Springs; Second Baptist, Lathrop. Rev. Mr. 
Smith pastored the Boonville and Chillicothe, Missouri, Bap- 
tist churches very acceptably for many years. Under his 
management the churches nourished and the standard of mor- 
ality was raised. He has officiated as moderator, secretary 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 83 

and treasurer of Western College while at Independence, 
Missouri. 

Mr. Smith has served as. pastor in a number of churches, 
where he has added materially to the membership and general 
prosperity of the congregation. He has built some of the best 
edifices in the States of Kansas and Missouri. 

He was married, in 1871, to Harriet J. Pollard. To that 
union two children were born, one of whom, a son, died at the 
age of three and one-half years. The daughter lived to pro- 
fess a hope in Christ and became a member of the Church, 
passing away two years after that time. Jn 1908 Mrs. Smith 
was called by death. In 1910 Mr. Smith married Miss Susie 
Carter, of McLouth, Kansas. 

Much credit is due to our pioneer ministers, and Mr. 
Smith has labored long and faithfu-ly ini the vineyard of the 
Lord. 



8 4 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PETER ANDREW C ALLAH AM, B.D., D.D. 



Hebraist — Strong Pastor — Worthy Example of Noble 
Manhood. 



Opportunity created by necessity, upon which ambition 
mounts to a plateau, whence spreads to view the reward of 

labor and the gain of hope, 
animated by the aspiring 
mind, is responsible for 
much of the great success 
that has attended the career 
of our sketch. In boyhood 
traces of leadership were 
well defined, which became 
more pronounced as he ad- 




vanced in years. 

Peter Andrew Callaham, 
of Darlington, South Caro- 
lina, comes of a saintly and 
well-to-do family of Level 
Land, South Carolina. He 
was born to Henry and 
Hannah Callaham, Abbe- 
ville, South Carolina^ Oc- 
tober 1 2th, 1862. Young 
Callaham showed extraordinary ability while attending the 
public school of Level Land, from which he soon grad- 
uated, only to matriculate in Benedict College, Columbia, South 
Carolina, in the fall of 1883. During his five-years course at 
Benedict, by precept and example, he put a meaning in life 
that was the admiration and inspiration of the student body. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 85 

He was respected and trusted by both students and teachers. 
He graduated from the Higher English Course of Benedict in 
May, 1888. 

In the fall of the same year Mr. Callaham entered Rich- 
mond (Va.) Theological Seminary under very favorable cir- 
cumstances, taking the full three-years' course in Hebrew and 
Greek. He held his own in his classes, and distinguished him- 
self as a rapid reader of the Jewish language. He was a fear- 
less debater and his frequent clashes with advanced students 
in the forum, where he often carried off the honors, made him 
a commanding figure upon public occasions. As a classmate 
im the Seminary, the editor saw r in the young apostle of Dixie 
a leader who would some day take his place among the great 
men of the race. On May 17th, 1892, Mr. Callaham grad- 
uated from the Seminary, carrying the good-will and confi- 
dence of teachers and students alike. 

Union Baptist Church. Society Hill, South Carolina, be- 
ing without a pastor, extended Mr. Callaham a call immedi- 
ately after his graduation. So well was Mr. Callaham liked 
in this first pastorate and so powerful were his sermons that 
he soon increased the membership and influence of the church 
many fold. He was called from Society Hill to Barnwell ; 
thence to Laurens, South Carolina; and next to Fernandina, 
Florida, where he erected a $15,000 church edifice. Having 
fully established his claim as a pastor, leader and orator, he 
was called to the historic church of Darlington* South Caro- 
lina, which call he accepted in 1908, succeeding the late ven- 
erable Dr. I. P. Brockington, for twenty-five years president 
of the State Convention of Baptists. The church has under- 
gone great improvements and under Doctor Callahanrs leader- 
ship is recognized as one of the best in the State. ' 

Mr. Callaham is a close student; not afraid to face the 
present-day issues and advise his people along correct lines. 
In recognition of his piety, learning and master-workmanship, 
Benedict College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity in 191 2. 



86 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



Doctor Callaham takes an active part in denominational 
affairs in State and country, and his eloquence, ready wit and 
learning] are ever in demand upon set occasions. 

Doctor Callaham was married in 1892 to Miss Lillian 
Moon, an alumna of Richmond High School and a teacher of 
ability in Manchester, Virginia. To the union five children 
have been born. 



IV. H. JBRNAGIN, D.D. 



President Oklahoma Constitutional League — Evangelist — 
Treasurer — Pastor of Ability. 



The Reverend W. H. Jernagin is a Mississippian by birth 
and a typical Southwesterner by training and experience. It 

was with difficulty he kept 
the wolf from his door, 
s u r m o unted discourage- 
ments and obtained his ed- 
ucation. After preparation 
in the schools of his home 
State, Mr. Jernagin took a 
special course at Danville. 
New York. 

While he did acceptable 
service in the pastorate in 
Mississippi, it was in the 
Southwest that he proved 
his true requisites of lead- 
ership. He entered the 
pastorate at Oklahoma 
City, Oklahoma,., under 
very unfavorable condi- 
tions. He soon transformed conditions; erected a handsome 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 87 

church edifice, paid for it, invigorated the town through the 
power of his sermons, and gave the Baptists a new standing 
in the State. During his twelve-years ministry in the new 
State he took an active part in the political improvement of 
the people and was for a long time president of the Oklahoma 
Constitutional League. 

The measure of a man's greatness is service ; and Doctor 
Jernagin's services to the denomination are not confined to the 
State of Oklahoma or the District of Columbia, to which he 
has been recently called. For eleven years he has acted as 
treasurer of the National B. Y. P. U. Board, and for an equal 
number of years has been active in every movement looking 
to the welfare of the National Baptist Convention. 

Mr. Jernagin believes that economy will'buy land, secure 
homes and make men independent. And wherever he pas- 
tors, he makes it an unalterable rule to teach his people the 
advantages o* material prosperity. 

The Reverend Jernagin is an evangelist of note, having 
conducted many revivals in different States with goodi results. 
While he possesses little of the magic of the average evangel- 
ist, he is earnest, and his sympathetic appeals, with clear expo- 
sition of the Scriptures, seldom fail to carry conviction to hi> 
hearers. i 

The enlargement of his sphere of usefulness by a recent 
call to the capital of the Nation, at Washington, shows the 
esteem in which he is held and his value as a man. for the 
times. 

Doctor Jernagin has a happy family, and his wife and 
daughters move in the best circles of Washington society. 



88 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, D.D.. Ph.D. 



Student of Philosophy — Brilliant Speaker and Writer — Be- 
loved Pas-tor of a Large and Intelligent Congregation. 



The Reverend William P. Lawrence was born in Caroline 
County, Virginia, on July 31st, 1865. He was educated in the 

public schools of Virginia; 
in Hampton Institute ; 
Bethany Bible Institute, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; 
in Syracuse and Philadel- 
phia]. Guadalupe College 
conferred the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity and the 
degree of Ph.D. was re- 
ceived from the Virginia 
Theological Seminary and 
Con roe College, Conroe, 
Texas. 

In October, 1894, Dr. 
Lawrence was married to 
Miss Jessie C. . Brown, of 
Tarrytown, New York. 
He occupies many positions of trust. Among them 
are the following: pastor of Union Baptist Church, Or- 
ange, New Jersey; president of the New Jersey Baptist Sun- 
day-school Convention; first vice-president of the New Eng- 
land Baptist Missionary Convention; member of the Execu- 
tive Board of the New Jersey Baptist State Convention ; presi- 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 89 

dent of the Progressive Building and Loan Association of the 
Oranges; president of the Oakwood Home Association; ex- 
general secretary of the Twin City Young Men's Christian As- 
sociation of Pittsburgh and Southwest Branch Young Men's 
Christian Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The present membership of Dr. Lawrence's church is 1,035. 
He has been in charge for six years, and during that period 
has taken in 650 persons. In all that he essavs to do Dr. 
Lawrence is ably seconded by his large and enthusiastic 
congregation. 

Dr. Lawrence has made his way from the farm to the 
position which he now occupies — that of spiritual guide and 
social leader of a wealthy class of people in a flourishing 
church in the most conservative city of the United States. 
And it is unusual talent and executive ability that have ren- 
dered( him valuable as a minister and as an officer of various 
denominational organizations. In addition to his capability as 
a spiritual adviser, Dr. Lawrence is endowed with qualities 
that make foi prosperity in business. 

He is a firm believer in, the doctrine of the betterment of 
the Negro along mental, moral and material lines. He real- 
izes! that the standard of moralitv is raised by contact with the 
refinements of life — that the mind is elevated by the enjoy- 
ment of comfort — bv freedom from the harrowing cares of a 
hand-to-mouth existence. He teaches his people to use the 
best that is in them in the most effective way for their own 
advancement in civilization. He wins their confidence and by 
wise counsels and sincere efforts on their behalf he has found 
a place in their hearts that belongs only to himself. It is 
through the desire to be of the highest service to his flock that 
a pastor accomplishes the greatest amount of real good, and 
Dr. Lawrence is eminently successful in that respect. 

As a public speaker Dr. Lawrence is eloquent; as a min- 
ister, he is a devoted Header ; and as a race advocate, he is in 
the front rank. 



96 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REV. LEE LEWIS CAMPBELL, D.D. 



Founder of a College — Superintendent of Sunday-School Mis- 
sions — Corresponding Secretary and President of General 
Missionary Convention — Prominent Politician — A Na- 
tional Character. 



Lee Lewis Campbell, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, 
Austin, Texas, has led a very strenuous life during the many 

years of his public career. 
Born in Milan County, 
Texas, the second year of 
Negro emancipation in that 
State, Lee L. was given 
such education by his 
mother, Louisa, as the pub- 
lic schools of that county 
afforded. He spent s i x 
years at Bishop College. 
Marshall, Texas, during 
which time he completed 
the normal, college pre- 
paratory and the junior 
year of the college courses, 
when he was compelled, on 
account of insufficient 
means, to leave school. 
Mr. Campbell was con- 
verted at v the age of twelve and baptized by the Rever- 
end Jack Yates. The young man was immediately licensed to 
preach by Mount Zion Baptist Church, Baileyville, and it was 
through that church and her good pastor, Rev. Yates, that Mr. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 91 

Campbell was assisted at Bishop College. The Cameron Grove 
Baptist Church, Rev. F. L. Lights, D.D., pastor, called him to 
ordination in July, 1890, and the Lincoln Association, in ses- 
sion at the time, ordained him after a most rigid examination 
by such men as Dr. H. M. Williams, A. L. Sledge, E. M. 
Wright and F. L. Lights. He immediately took charge of 
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Clarkson, Texas, which he faithful- 
ly served for one year, resigning to accept the district mission- 
aryship of the Lincoln Sunday-School Convention. So well 
did Mr. Campbell serve in that capacity that he was soon pro- 
moted to the position of superintendent of missions for the 
Sunday-schools of the State. 

Rev. Campbell founded the Central Texas College and 
was elected its first president. His experience as principal of 
the city public schools of Cameron served him well in his en- 
larged field of educational work and he was by care and dili- 
gence enabled to bring the institution prominently to the front. 
For a time he was chairman of the board of trustees of Guad- 
alupe College and corresponding secretary of the General 
Baptist Convention of that State. He is now the honored 
president of the latter, in which capacity he has made it one 
of the largest and most flourishing in the United States; a con- 
vention that supports three colleges, several academies and 
high schools. The combined property of the convention is 
estimated at $750,000. One of the associations connected with 
it (the St. John, of which Dr. Campbell is also moderator) 
has property valued at $200,000. An orphan home, the Texas 
Colonization Society and Home-Builders' Army are other in- 
stitutions with which he is identified. He is prominent in the 
National Baptist Convention, being one of the State officers. 

jMr. Campbell is quite prominent in political circles. At 
one time he was chairman of the Tenth Texas Congressional 
District and in that capacity did credit to his party and race. 
He is a great temperance lecturer, having met and defeated 
rnany opponents of temperance in heated debates. He is a 



92 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

good . preacher, a strong pastor and a fearless defender of 
Baptist principles. 

Doctor Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Ella 
Williams, of Calvert, Texas, in December, 1887. Three boys 
and one girl have been born to the union, each prominent in 
church circles: W. B., now a senior in the college course, 
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Junius and John, 
now in the Prairie View College, Prairie View, Texas ; and 
Mrs. Hattie Lee Campbell Smith, now of Huntington, West 
Virginia. 

Mr. Campbell is a financier of ability, and his holdings in 
Texas are quite sufficient to make him an independent sup- 
port. It is 'the boast of his friends that he is one of the 
wealthiest citizens in his State. And his wealth has been free- 
ly used to found and substantially maintain the Baptist Her- 
ald, the organ of the 135,000 Baptists of his convention. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



93 



REVEREND WALTER THOMAS W ATKINS, B.D., D.D. 



Hard Student — Author — Manager Book Concern— After-Din- 
ner Speaker — Honored Guest of a Governor — Great Pas- 
tor — Leader of Men. 



The Reverend Walter Thomas Watkins was born at 
Bloomsburg (now Danripple), Halifax County, Vi ginia, May 

1 8, 1872. Although h i s 
parents were poor, they 
belonged to a good family 
— of respectable, intelligent 
people. 

Because of the circum- 
stances in which his father 
and mother were situated. 
Dr. Watkins was obliged 
to work his way through 
all of the schools and col- 
leges which he attended. 
He studied law under Pro- 
f e s s o r R. P. Armstead. 
Ph.B., LL.B., Lynchburg. 
Virginia, while taking his 
course at the Seminary. 

He w ats converted in 
1887, and joined the Cross 
Road Baptist Church, Halifax County, Virginia, under the 
pastorate of the Reverend Alexander Pamplin. He taught 
in the public schools of the counties, of Appomattox and 
Prince Edward's, Virginia, for ten years, occupying the posi- 
tion of principal a part of that time. He was also State 




94 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

lecturer on public school subjects in the County Teachers' As- 
sociation of Appamattox. 

About three months after his conversion he was called to 
the ministry, but he preferred law, until he was made sensible 
that it was God's will that he should preach the gospel. Start- 
inr on his mission, he was first a revivalist, then a missionary, 
after which he served as pastor. Dr. Watkins is now in 
charge of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Hill Street, Orange, 
New Jersey. The church has a membership of 500, and has 
one of the finest choirs in the East. 

He owns property both in Virginia and in New Jersey, 
and has strong financial standing with the banks of Lynch- 
burg, Virginia, and the Oranges of New Jersey. He holds 
many positions of trust and honor, and is manager of a flour- 
ishing book concern. Five years ago Mr. Watkins was the 
invited guest of the Governor of New Jersey, dining with the 
chief executive of the State at Seagirt. 

The man who' finds it necessary to make his own way 
through school usually develops great strength of purpose and 
determination early in life. The extra time consumed in work 
is not wasted ; it is an important factor mf the make-up of the 
man ; it is a moulder of character, and he who earns a, liveli- 
hood while obtaining an education is the better for having put 
forth the effort. He learns in youth a lesson that others must 
acquire, perhaps, later, through hard discipline, after much 
difficulty. I 

Dr. Watkins, realizing these things, went bravely ahead, 
and he is now reaping the reward,., in both material blessings 
and the pleasure that comes from having met the exigencies 
of life with fearlessness and decision; from having conquered 
the obstacles in the way and forged to the front. The very 
faculties cultivated by his exertions during the formative 
period of his career no doubt fitted him to become a leader of 
men, for without firmness and power one may not succeed as 
a spiritual guide or an adviser to those who are under his 
tuition. 






Who -s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 95 

Dr. Watkins has rounded out a splendid character. He 
has acquired business acumen, Christian patience, and not the 
least among his virtues is the quality of winning the affection 
of his congregation. His popularity is well deserved. 

It has been said of him : 

"Place him in the pulpit, and you will hear a preacher ; on 
th-^ platform, and you will hear an orator ; and on the floor of 
any assembly, and you will hear an invincible debater. As an 
after-dinner speaker he has few equals. 

Dr. Watkins is happily married. His wife was Miss 
R. E. Williams, of Lynchburg, Virginia, a graduate of the 
high school of her home city and of the Virginia Theological 
Seminary and College, Lynchburg, Virginia. Her refinement 
and tact have done much to aid Dr. Watkins in his work. 



96 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND G. W. SMITH. 



Pioneer Preacher — Public-Spirited Citizen — A Man of Honor. 



The Reverend G. W. Smith is a native of Texas, and was 
born in. Richmond, Harris County, in 1843. He united with 

the Mount Carmel Baptist 
Church, at Richmond. Tn 
1869 he was called to the 
ministry. Ordination took 
place in 1884, when he ac- 
cepted a call to Mou.nt 
Pleasant Baptist Church, 
near Booth, Texas, where 
he has preached without a 
blemish upon his good 
name for thirty-seven, years. 
He has also officiated as 
pastor of other churches in 
the same vicinity. 

In 1867 Mr. Smith was 
married to Miss Mary 
Brown. During his service 
as a minister of the gospel many thousands of persons have 
become Christians. For nine years he has been chairman of 
the Examining Board of the Southwest Central Association. 
He is also a member of the South Texas Association and has 
served as its treasurer. 

Mr. Smith has a good home^ is a man of honor and is con- 
sulted by large numbers of people in: regard to business mat- 
ters as well as religious affairs. His advice is wise and to the 
point. He has obtained in the years of his pastorate a broad 




Who *s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 97 

view* of life, and gladly gives those who go to him for guid- 
ance the benefit of his extensive observation. 

It would be difficult to measure specifically the good that 
has been accomplished by Mr. Smith during his years of hard 
work, but it is safe to say that he has been one of the most suc- 
cessful preachers in his State : that the circle of his influence 
has grown larger month by month and year by year until it has 
become far-reaching. 

Mr. Smith is a self-made man and a pioneer minister, 
taking up his duties in new fields, where it was necessary to 
build up and increase the membership of the church. He has 
borne reverses patiently, and has proved a faithful and devoted 
husband to Mrs. Smith, who is afflicted with blindness. It 
may be truthfully s^id that he is a shining light in the com- 
munity where he resides. 



9 8 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



/. EDWARD PBRRY, M.D. 



Farm-Hand — School-Teacher — '- Successful Practitioner — 
Builder of a Sanitarium — Member of the Visiting Staff 
of Surgeons to the City Hospital. 



J. Edward Perry, who has attained an enviable position 
in the medical profession, w r as born of very poor parents at 

Clarksville, Texas, April 2, 
1870. 

Young Perry was a typ- 
ical farm-hand. Between 
the plow-handles he fol- 
lowed the mules up the 
dusty furrows for many 
years; and he says that he 
could do it now if it be- 




came necessary. 

At fifteen, having as- 
similated such instruction 
as the public schools af- 
forded, he entered Bishop 
College, Marshall, Texas, 
from which he was honor- 
ably graduated in 1891. 
He taught public school in 
the State for some time 
following his graduation, giving entire satisfaction to the 
school authorities and patrons. But school-teaching was not 
to his liking,, and after seven years he decided that he could 
render greater service to the race in the practice of 'medicine. 
He enltered Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 99 

under very favorable conditions, and rapidly advanced in the 
study of that profession : and on February 5, 1895, he received 
his M.D. degree, after undergoing a most rigid examination. 
To further prepare himself for his new field of endeavor, he 
took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Medical College. 

In 1898, when the United States and Spain engaged in 
deadly conflict on the field of battle, Dr. Perry enlisted as a 
surgeon in defense of his country. At the close of the war 
he was honorably discharged, after receiving congratulations 
from his superior officers for the very commendable services 
rendered his country. 

Dr. Perry came to Kansas City fresh from the Army, and 
without any acquaintances, opented an office and settled down 
to the practice of his profession. Being a man of pronounced 
religious proclivities and of unimpeachable character, learned 
in his calling and democratic in his ways, he came rapidly to 
the front. Single-handed, he has built a large sanitarium, 
modern in every particular, and as neatly furnished and kept as 
any similar institution in the West. This institution alone has 
immortalized his name. He is part owner of the Feople's 
Drug Store and has other valuable property in his adopted 
city. Dr. Perry was instrumental in starting the movement 
for the appointment of Negro doctors to visit and render 
medical aid to Negro patients at the General Hospital of 
Kanjsas City. He is a member of this visiting staff of sur- 
geons ; and his associates, white and black, bear testimony to 
his excellent services. 

Dr. Perry is a member of several organizations. He is a 
Pythian of high rank, a distinguished Mason, and an officer 
of the United Brothers of Friendship. He is a worthy mem- 
ber of the Second Baptist Church and a member of the local 
Y. M. C. A. 

Dr. Perry enjoys a very lucrative practice, and has per- 
formed some of the most delicate operations known to medical 
science. His reputation as a surgeon has spread abroad and 
he is frequently' consulted by doctors of both races. 



ioo Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Dr. Perry is married and has one son. His wife, former- 
ly Miss Fredericka Sprague, a teacher of rare attainments in 
Lincoln High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate 
from one of the best training schools in America, comes from 
one of the most influential families of the race, she being the 
granddaughter of the late orator and statesman, Frederick 
Douglass. She has rendered great assistance to her distin- 
guished husband in his chosen profession, and her winning dis- 
position, her generous spirit and forceful character have made 
her one of the most popular idols in our social reforms. 

Dr. Perry is still young, fearless, of temperate habits, 
prompt in his engagements, able in the practice of his profes- 
sion, and the world will no doubt hear of him in connection 
with other and greater achievements than those of his already 
brillianlt past. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. ioi 



MRS. ELLA EUGENE WHITFIELD. 



College Matron — Bible Band Worker — Missionary — Field 
Secretary of Woman's National Convention. 



Among the women of the race who may justly boast of 
the record they have made is Mrs. Ella Eugene Whitfield, the 

wife of the Reverend B. 
W. Whitfield, D.D., a grad- 
uate of- the Theological 
Department of Guadalupe 
College, Seguin, Texas. 

Mrs. Whitfield is unique 
as a worker, richly gifted 
with intellectual, moral, 
and spiritual power, and 
with executive ability to 
transform theories into' 
practice, thereby unfolding 
success at every round of 
endeavor. 

Airs. Whitfield was born 
at Tolberton, Georgia, but 
years ago she removed to 
Texas with her parents, 
Emmanuel and Ella Eugene Jones. She early learned to 
love the Lord, and united with the Baptist Church, in which 
she has served almost her entire life. 

- Mrs. Whitfield has had educational advantages which 
have served her well in the very responsible positions which 




102 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

she has occupied. She first came into prominence while em- 
ployed as matron of Guadalupe College, Seguin„ Texas, and 
she was known as one of the best matrons the school ever had. 
The students obeyed her, not -because they feared, but rather 
because they loved her. Her example and precepts, her fine 
Christian character, always commanded respect. She was 
kind, yet positive; cheerful, yet dignified. 

But Mrs. Whitfield felt that the Lord needed her in an- 
other direction, hence she resigned her position to become field 
worker in Miss Joanna Moore's Bible Band. So well did she 
serve in that capacity that her work attracted wide-spread at- 
tention and was noted by the Woman's National Auxiliary 
Convention. That body of Baptist women employed her 
early in its organization to take the field as a missionary. 
Her reports bear witness to the success of the undertaking. 

Miss Nannie H. Burroughs, under whom she serves, pays 
the following compliment to her : 

"Mrs. E. E. Whitfield, who has been promoted to field 
secretary, leads in work accomplished as in former years. 
We believe that Mrs. Whitfield is God's special agent for this 
special work." 

| Within the past fiscal year she delivered 491 addresses; 
visited 823 homes, 312 churches, and collected over $2,009. 
No church has ever turned her away empty-handed. Her 
winning disposition, her faith in God, her determination to 
succeed, have swept every obstacle aside and crowned her 
labors with remarkable success. 

Mrs. Whitfield is a woman 6f untiring zeal and command- 
ing appearance. She can hold an audience indefinitely, by the 
intensity of her earnestness and the clearness and appropriate- 
ness of her well-chosen words. The utility of her subjects 
and the excellence of her delivery have rendered her extreme- 
ly popular as a public speaker. 

As field secretary of the Woman's National Convention 
her achievements have been remarkable. She has traveled ex- 
tensively in Cuba, Canada, and in every portion of the United 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 103 

States,' save the insular possessions, arousing interest and kin- 
dling slumbering forces to missionary activity. 

Airs. Ella Eugene Whitfield is a shining light worthy of 
emulation. 



FORTUNE J. WEAVER. 



President of Large Investment Company — Manager of De- 
partment in Great Mercantile Company — Financial Agent, 
Adviser, Administrator — President of Negro Business 
League of Kansas City. 



Every Negro boy should read the history of men who 
have ascended the ladder of prosperity, not by fortuitous 

circumstances, but by con- 
centration of efforts and 
strict application to their 
execution. Our sketch is 
a man of this character. 

Fortune J. Weaver's 
birthplace was Council 
Grove, Kansas, on May 3, 
1874, and Millie and Fort- 
une Weaver were his par- 
ents. He was educated in 
the village schools, and at 
the age of seventeen year^ 
he was running a farm. At 
a later period, in Coffey- 
ville, Kansas, he became 
editor of a newspaper 
called The Black Man, an 
exceedingly popular periodical, but it didn't pay. 




io4 Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

Mr. Weaver entered Kansas City as a tramp with ten 
cents in his pocket and not an acquaintance to assist him. 
After walking the streets awhile, Mr. Weaver was employed 
by the Webb-Freyschlag Mercantile Company, and because of 
his honesty and business^ ability he was promoted until he. be- 
came the manager of the holiday department. The company 
is one of the oldest and most substantial in the West, and 
Mr. Weaver owes his advancement to the fact that he is 
capable and efficient as well as trustworthy. 

Mr. Weaver stands out/ conspicuously as a financier. He 
is President of the Afro-American Investment and Employ- 
ment Company, a firm that transacts annually $90,000 worth 
of business in Kansas City, Mo. It was through his efforts 
that the company was organized, and it is still largely through 
his exertions that it maintains its prestige as one. of the mam- 
moth institutions of the race, employing ninety-two people in 
the various branches. The number of persons who have been 
directly benefited by the Afro-American Investment Compa- 
njy and Employment Bureau would be hard to estimate, but 
in one year world has been secured for between four and five 
thousand Negroes, and colored men and women are constant- 
ly encouraged to buy homes — to take the first step in pros- 
perity by becoming property-owners. 

Mr. Weaver should be emulated by young men through- 
out 'the country. There is a wonderful field open to the Ne- 
gro, if he will interest himself along commercial lines and 
compete with white men for the patronage of the race. And 
Mr. Weaver has a mission which he is amply able to fill. He 
is demonstrating the truth that success does not depend alto- 
gether upon color or previous condition, but upon energy and 
determination. Opportunity comes every day and at all times 
to those who are awake to the possibilities. 

Mr. Weaver is kind, generous and painstaking, which ac- 
counts for his having reached a high place among business 
men. He is active in church work, and he was at one time 
treasurer of the Second Baptist Church, the largest in the 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 105 

West. He is a Y. M. C. A. worker and takes part in every 
movement looking toward the betterment of the race. Mr. 
Weaver is president of the Negro Business League of Kansas 
City. He is a married man and Mrs. Weaver is a competent 
business woman,, having recently become president of a floral 
company that is enjoying a most excellent trade. 

Leaders have felt for several years that if the steady flow 
of money that goes from the colored people into the coffers of 
white men of the different professions could be diverted to 
representatives of the Afro-American race, it would result in 
greater ambition and greater achievement among its members. 
Why should there not be a larger number of Negro doctors, 
lawyers, merchants and mechanics ? The Negro can serve 
his own people with satisfaction to himself and to his patrons. 
Mr. Weaver is an example of what can be accomplished by a 
bright, earnest, intelligent and sincere colored man who has 
strength of character and steadfastness of purpose. 



io6 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PROFESSOR G. N. BOWBN, A.B., A.M. 



Prize-Winner — College President — Professor of Biology. 



Professor G. N. Bowen was born in Granger County, 
Tennessee, on February ioth, 1869, to Jackson R. and Vic- 
toria Bowen. He gave evi- 
dence of extraordinary in- 
telligence at a very early 
age, and his parents, deter- 
mined to give him the ben- 
efit of the best possible ed- 
ucation, placed him in the 
public school. After grad- 
u a t i o n from the district 
school he entered Morris- 
town College, and success- 
fully completed the course. 
He then matriculated in 
Roger Williams University, 
Nashville, Tennessee, car- 
rying off many honors, and 
winning distinction as a de- 
bater and orator. He ex- 
celled in the sciences and in the ancient languages, and was 
the recipient of a gold medal for his excellent scholarship. 
Professor Bowen was elected president of the Intercol- 
legiate Lecture Bureau, and while serving in that capacity he 
had the honor of introducing the Honorable C. H. J. Taylor, 
politician, statesman, and register of the United States Treas- 
ury. His address upon that occasion is said) to have been a 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 107 

masterly effort. It at once placed him 1 in the public eye as an 
exceptionally fine orator. 

After taking his Bachelor's degree he was elected teacher 
in Nelson Merry College, Jefferson City, Tennessee. Subse- 
quently he became the president of the institution, occupying 
that position for ten years. 

Later he was made professor of biology at Douglass High 
School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in which position he still 
gives great satisfaction. 

Several years ago he was united in marriage with Miss 
Murphy, of Tennessee. Mrs. Bowen is an accomplished wo- 
man — a graduate of Roger Williams University. Five prom 
ising children have been born to the fortunate' parents. 

Professor Bowen, modest to a fault, pleasing in manner, 
dashing and earnest in all that pertains to the uplift of the 
race, holds a unique position among the great men of the race 
and denomination. 

He was converted in 1887 and is now an officer in the 
First Baptist Church at Oklahoma City. Oklahoma. 



io8 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists, 



MRS. IDA M. BOWMAN BECKS. 



Blocutiomst — Lecturer — Field Secretary Woman's National 
Baptist Convention. 



Mrs. Ida M. Bowman Becks was born at Armstrong, 
Howard County, Missouri, on March 28, 1880, to Mr. and 

Mrs. Milton Bowman, who 



were among the early set- 
tlers of that county. Her 
father died when she was 
eleven years old, and as 
there was a family of eight 
children, it was a great 
task for the mother to pro- 
vide for them and send 
them to school. 

Mrs. Becks completed 
the grammar school course 
when she was sixteen years 
of age, then went to Car- 
rollton, Missouri, thence 
she attended Lincoln 
School, from which she 
graduated in 1899. 
In order to obtain an education she worked in a private 
family— for the small sum of $1 per week — and kept up her 
studies at the same time. She was the only one of the class 
of nine girls who finished. On account of her brilliant schol- 
arship, she had the honor of taking the valedictory. 

Mrs. Beck took a post-graduate course at Wichita, Kan- 
sas, after which she removed to Cleveland, Ohio. She was 
converted when a child of eight, and, having been, trained by 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 109 

a Christian mother, she longed to serve her people. The needs 
of the women of the Afro-American race were so strongly im- 
pressed upon her while in Cleveland that she gave up all else 
and entered the work of aiding them systematically. 

Her first field was at Dayton, Ohio, where she became 
secretary of the Colored Women's League, giving splendid 
service. In Dayton she met an industrious and .ambitious 
young man, Mr. H. W. Becks, to whom she was married on 
July 1, 1907. In 1908 Mr. and Mrs. Becks went to Kansas 
City, where Mr. Becks entered the Government service, in 
whicH he proved to be a most efficient worker. 

For two years Mrs. Becks was field representative for 
the Florence Crittenton Home at Topeka, Kansas. Her ef- 
forts in that capacity were so successful that she was called 
to a larger sphere of usefulness, as field representative of 
the National Training School at Washington, D. C, under 
the auspices of the Women's Auxiliary of the National Bap- 
tist Convention. 

Airs. Becks is an elocutionist of national repute, having 
been trained at the Chicago School of Elocution. As a pub- 
lic speaker she ranks among the best, and has frequently ap- 
peared by appointment before leading Chautauqua audiences. 
Her manner/ of address is direct, dramatic, and at times sen- 
sational, yet pleasing and intensely interesting. 

She is a fearless advocate of woman suffrage and is an 
uncompromising defender of the Afro-American race. She 
realizes the possibilities of the future for the colored people— 
for 1 the women in particular. 

Mrs. Becks is thoroughly modern. in her tendencies and 
claims for her sex every privilege, every honor, that is ac- 
corded to man. She is not one whit behind the white women 
who are laboring for the advancement — the emancipation — of 
her sex. She is bright, keen-witted, and persuasive. She 
realizes that those who desire the ballot must express their 
wishes, earnestly, decidedly, if they would attain their object. 



no Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Mrs. Becks' influence is the greater because of her importance 
in the denomination. 

She is a credit to the Church, and a valuable addition to 
that class of race leaders whch is yet to reach the zenith of 
usefulness. Her name will undoubtedly be emblazoned upon 
the records of the time to come as of one entitled to high 
esteem because of noble achievements. 



REVEREND ROBERT B. FRANCIS. 



Talented Preacher — Good Business Man — Banker- 
President Baptist State Convention. 



Vice- 



Texas is noted for business men as well as great pastors 
and fluent speakers. It is seldom, however, that we can find 

one who combines all of these qual- 
ities and makes good in each. But 
there are exceptions and the young 
apostle Robert B. Francis is one 
of them. 

The Reverend Robert B. Francis 

was born October 20th, 1869, near 

Tyler, Texas, to Willis and Mary 

Ann Francis, who at one time were 

H held as slaves. 

After taking a public school 
course in Smith County, Mr. Fran- 
Jl cis, entered Bishop College, support- 
ing himself while receiving his edu- 
cation. He made good in his studies and was popular among 
both the teachers and pupils of this institution. 

In 1895 he married Miss P. J. Gray, of Alabama. One 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. hi 

child — Eddie Lee — was born to the couple. Mrs. Francis 
died eight days after the birth of the little one. 

His present wife was Miss Eviline Martin, of Alto, Tex- 
as. To the latter union were born six children, four of whom 
are living. 

Dr. Francis was converted at sixteen years of age, and he 
wa3 called to the ministry in 1892, being ordained in 1895, 
when he was tendered the pastorate of Millsport, Texas, where 
the Ennis Baptist Church was erected through his efforts. In 
six years the membership was increased by the addition of 224 
persons. Rev. Francis also held the position of pastor in the 
Pleasant Green Baptist Church, at Longview. He has labored 
in the latter church fifteen years, during which period five hun- 
dred members have been added. He is also pastor at Pitts- 
burgh and Pine Bluff; at the latter place he has built a $4,000 
house of worship. 

Rev. Francis is vice-president of the Texas Missionary 
Convention ; member of the Texas Educational Board ; trus- 
tee of East Texas Baptist Academy; and vice-president of 
the Farmers' Citizens' Savings Bank, of Palestine, Texas. As 
a speaker he is earnest, logical and pleasing. The positions 
of distinction which he now holds prove his capability and 
worth in the religious and business world. Being yet on the 
youthful side of life, his friends have a just right to expect 
greater rewards to come to him in the course of events. 



ii2 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND H. C. LEWIS; M.D. 



Minister — Prominent Ph vsician. 



The Reverend H. C. Lewis,, M.D. y was born at Mathews, 
Alabama, to Robert and Caroline Lewis. Although he was 

converted in 1882, he was not 
called to the ministry until 
1897. His ordination took 
place in 1898. 

Dr. Lewis received his edu- 
cation at the Montgomery 
High School, Montgomery. 
Alabama. He then took a 
medical course at the Illinois 
Medical College. Feeling 
keenly the needs of his peo- 
ple in the South, the young 
physician decided to return to 
that section and preach and practice medicine among his 
brethren. 

He has served as pastor in Arbroth, Louisiana; and has 
been Treasurer of the General Baptist State B. Y. P. U. of 
Texas. As treasurer of Guadalupe College and as trustee of 
that institution he has proved exceedingly efficient. Dr. Lew- 
is has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of 
the General Baptist Convention. 

There is no more widely known physician in the vicinity 

of San Antonio, Texas, where he now resides, than Dr. H. C. 

Lewis. He not only ministers to men's souls, but also to their 

bodies. His skill as a surgeon is universally, acknowledged. 

Tn 1890 Dr. Lewis was married' to Miss Anniss G. Garri- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 113 

son, of Louisiana. Two children, Johnnie and Lillian, have 
blessed the union. 

While the Doctor is very prominent in denominational 
work at home, he is equally so abroad; and his opportunities 
to do good, either as a physician and surgeon or as a preach- 
er, have not been neglected r regardless of the xiual calling. 

There is no greater demand in this age than the one : 
"Heal my body; relieve my suffering." And there is suffer- 
ing all around us, on every hand. What a noble life is that 
of the preacher who can cure physical ailments as well as 
comfort the sorrows of the soul ! 

Dr. Lewis has reaped his reward for good work, for he 
now enjoys a most lucrative practice, and is surrounded with 
all that is necessary to happiness. 



ii4 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



JACOB JAVAN DURHAM, A.B., A.M., M.D., LL.D. 



Blacksmith — Valedictorian — Scholar — Lecturer and Debater — 
Educational Secretary — Pounder of a College — President 
of South Carolina Baptist Convention — Eminent Physician. 



Jacob Javan Durham, famous as a debater and orator, 
was born near Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 13th, 

1849, to James W. and 
Dorcas Durham. His 
mother was very pious and 
sought to bring up her 
gifted son "in the nurture 
and admonition of the 
Lord." Mr. Durham learn- 
ed the blacksmith's trade, 
which he followed to good 
advantage during the early 
part of his life. He at- 
tended the public school 
only a few weeks during 
the year, working during 
the day, while each night 
he employed in study. 

By the time he was 
twenty years old, he had 
made and saved sufficient money at his trade and in the mean- 
time sufficiently improved in his studies to enable him to enter 
the graded school at Greenville, where he supported himself 
while engaged in study; and it was while in this city's school 
that he prepared himself for the freshman year at South Car- 
olina College, where he spent two years, remaining in that 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 115 

institution until it was closed to colored students in 1877. He 
then entered Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, where he 
took his A.B. two years later. 

Mr. Durham, feeling that better care and attention should 
be given to Negro patients and that the profession offered 
greater opportunity for a struggling young man, began the study 
of medicine at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, in the fall 
of the following year, where he held his own in a large class of 
brilliant young men, and after four years of hard study grad- 
uated as valedictorian of his class. Having made 98^2 per 
cent on his final examination, the board of trustees offered . 
him a professorship in the school, but he declined, feeling that 
his services were needed among his people at home. 

Upon leaving Meharry Medical College, Doctor Durham 
was called to Bethesda Baptist Church at Society Hill, South 
Carolina, where he pastored and practiced his profession 
with great success, having undergone conversion and ordi- 
nation many years before. While pastoring at Society Hill 
the church flourished under his fostering care, and each 
Sunday his church edifice was crowded to overflowing 
with both white and colored, who came from remote points 
to hear his great sermons. But Bethesda was too small; the 
Hill was not high enough for the vision of the young apostle. 
Soon the Educational, Missionary and Sunday-School Conven- 
tion of the State elected him as financial agent and correspond- 
ing secretary ; and Mr. Durham was so successful in this new 
field of labor that he held it continuously for ten years, in- 
fusing it with new life and canceling her many debts and 
giving her financial standing in the State. 

Doctor Durham was called to the pastorate of the Second 
^Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia, which he successfully 
pastored for more than twelve years. The church member- 
ship was divided at the time Mr. Durham was called, and 
$13,000 of indebtedness was on the property. But within a 
very short time the debts were paid and the membership was 
United. During his pastorate quite sixteen hundred persons 



n6 Who's Who Among thk Colored Baptists. 

were received into the membership. In one public rally, 
March, 1893, the church raised $3,059.33. But South Caro- 
lina could not spare Mr. Durham, and he was recalled to the 
State as educational secretary. 

He began his work as educational secretary at a time 
when the work of the convention was at a very low ebb. At 
the close of his first year's efforts he recommended, among 
other things, the establishment of an institution of learning to 
be owned and operated by colored Baptists. The report was 
followed by an eloquent sermon on the subject, and so thor- 
oughly were the brethren aroused that more than $12,000 was 
subscribed within a few minutes, and the strong and flourish- 
ing Morris College, at Sumter, South Carolina, was the result. 
■In appreciation of Mr. Durham's great services to the insti- 
tution, the presidency of the school has been many times of- 
fered him, and he has each time refused that lucrative position, 
preferring to remain as a board member, where he can do even 
greater service. 

Because of his great executive capacity, the 200,000 Bap- 
tists of the State elected him as president of the State Con- 
vention, which office he has held for several years, and by his 
unusual ability, tact and scholarly attainments he has brought 
his commonwealth unusual distinction. Mr. Durham has the 
State work thoroughly organized, and by his wise management 
he has formed several auxiliary bodies, such as a woman's 
convention, a Sunday-school and B. Y. P. U. convention, all 
of which are rendering much assistance to the missionary and 
educational work. | 

Doctor Durham has frequently been referred to as "The 
Daniel Weoster of the colored race," so called because of his 
unusual ability as a debater. He has never lost in a debate 
in all of his school-life or since, and few students dared to 
tackle him. He has had< the pleasure of introducing some of 
the great public men of the Nation. Frederick Douglass, on 
being introduced by Mr. Durham, once said: "That was the 
most eloquent introduction I ever had; that gentleman ought 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 117 

to be in Congress to plead the cause of his people." After in- 
troducing the late President McKinley on one occasion, the 
latter remarked, "That was one of the most beautiful and elo- 
quent speeches I ever heard." 

Doctor Durham is a great scholar, and has been a hard 
student all of his life. He reads the Bible in five different 
languages — English, German. Latin, Greek and Hebrew. And 
several prominent colleges have honored themselves by confer- 
ring upon him several honorary degrees. The Doctor is a 
great preacher, deliberate and argumentative ; but when he is 
thoroughly aroused by some strong antagonist, he becomes a 
mighty storm and tempest of impassioned eloquence, in which 
the thunder of his voice and the lightning of his logic strike 
terror and consternation to his opponents and make them think 
the day of judgment has come. 

He has received several flattering offers of pastorates, 
both North and South, but he has contented himself to remain 
at the head of the Baptist family of the Palmetto State. 

The Doctor has been twice married — first to Miss Mary 
Ella Simkins, of Edgefield, South Carolina, the daughter of 
Augustus and Lettie Simkins. Mr. Simkins was a prominent 
citizen of Edgefield, having represented his county in the State 
legislature. After the death of his first wife he was married 
to Miss Emma Ramey, of Edgefield, the daughter of Lottie 
and Judge W. D. Ramey. 

Mr. Durham is a man of considerable wealth, which may 
be counted with five figures. And he enjoys the distinction 
of being the only preacher of his State owning an automobile. 

As pastor of Second Calvaty Baptist Church, Columbia, 
and president of the Baptist Convention of South Carolina, 
this famous, learned and eloquent divine, who is at the height 
of his career, amply verifies the dictum, that poverty rather 
than inheritance is the spur which ambition rides ; and that 
from lowly condition more often springs the desire to survey 
the lordly heights, where fame is enthroned. 



n8 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



JAMBS FLOURNOY SHANNON, M.D. 



School-Teacher — Prominent Secret Society Man — Treasurer 
Y. M. C. A. — Secretary Pan-Missouri Medical Society — 
President of the People's Drug Company — Eminent 
Physician. \ 



Among the young) men of the West who have made good 
in their chosen professions is Doctor James Flournoy Shan- 
non, the talented president 
of the People's Drug Com- 
pany, of Kansas City, Mis- 
souri. He is a Southerner 
by birth and education and 
a Westerner by adoption. 
He first saw the light of 
clay on September 14, 1872, 
at G r e e nsboro, Georgia. 
H i s mother, an ex-slave, 
was denied the privileges 
of an education; however, 
so zealous was she that her 
ambitious son should be 
properly trained that she 
made every sacrifice com- 
patible with her means. 
How far-seeing that saint- 
ly woman was is well demonstrated in the fearless yet illus- 
trious efforts of her son, who, cherishing sweetly the memories 
of her sleeping dust, holds his own among) learned men of his 
chosen profession, administering to the afflicted and contrib- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 119 

uting his share to the race's achievements by precept and 
example. 

Mr. Shannon entered Atlanta (Ga.) Baptist College (now 
Moorehouse College) at the age of fifteen years. He com- 
pleted the scientific course in May, 1891. His career in the 
college was brilliant, and while at Atlanta he acquitted him- 
self like a man. 

From 1 89 1 to 1894 Mr. Shannon engaged in teaching 
school, studying in the meantime for his higher course else- 
where later on. Franklin, Kensington, Sparta and Lafayette 
schools of his State felt the magic touch of his scholarship and 
discipline, the latter being a high school. 

In September, 1894, Mr. Shannon matriculated in the Me- 
harry Medical College, Nashvi-lle. Tennessee, and after four 
years' hard work, graduated in February, 1898, and immediate- 
ly went West to Kansas City. Missouri, and began the practice 
of his chosen profession under very favorable circumstances. 
He at once identified himself with the Second Baptist Church 
and many civic enterprises of that city, looking forward to the 
uplift of the people. The Young Men's Christian Association 
elected him as its treasurer, and the Twin City Business League 
used him in the same capacity. He is at present secretary of 
the Pan-Missouri Medical Society and president of the Peo- 
ple's Drug Company. He is also a member of the Masonic 
and Odd Fellow lodges of the city. 

Doctor Shannon has enjoyed almost from the beginning 
of his medical career a large and very lucrative practice, and 
his skill as a physician is recognized by eminent surgeons of 
the State. He is a member of the visiting staff of physicians 
to the General Hospital of Kansas City. 

Doctor Shannon is a man of very temperate habits and 
enjoys the distinction of being a teetotaler. He is correct in 
his bearing and immaculate in his dress. He is reserved and 
sedate, but one of the most congenial professional men of the 
West. He owns much residence and business property in his 



i2o Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 

adopted city, and holds a large interest in the People's Drug 
Company. 

No small event in the distinguished career of our sketch 
was his uniting in wedlock with Miss Rosalind L. Reid, in. 
1904, the climax of his early school days. Mrs. Shannon is 
of Southern birth, being a native of Alabama, and an alumna 
of Spelman Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. In joint commence- 
ment exercises they both filled contiguous numbers on the pro- 
gram and were awarded their diplomas from the same hand. 
Mrs. Shannon is a woman of unusual brilliancy, having taught, 
previous to her marriage in the public schools of Mississippi, 
Georgia and Missouri. For seven years she was first assist- 
ant in the Garrison School, Kansas City, and while serving in 
that capacity achieved much distinction as a vocalist and read- 
er. She is a devout Christian, earnest and faithful, and is 
closely connected with every reform movement, and has ren- 
dered from time to time valuable services to her church — the 
Second Baptist, with which she has long been -identified. It is 
through such characters as Doctor and Mrs. Shannon that ad- 
vancement along the highway of prosperity is certain, and the 
members of the race everywhere may well point with pride to 
their lives of usefulness and find in them food for reflection in 
years to come. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 121 



REVEREND THOMAS O. FULLER, A.M., Ph.D. 



Class Valedictorian — School-Teacher — Senator — President of 
a College — Minister — Great Advocate of Equal Rights. 



The last Negro to occupy a seat in the upper branch of the 
State Legislature of his native commonwealth was the learned 

and eloquent Thomas O. Fuller, of 
North Carolina. And his experience 
as a law-maker has made him one 
of the leading men of the race. 

The Reverend Thomas O. Fuller 
was born to J. HerMerson and 
Mary Eliza Fuller on October 25, 
1867, at Franklinton, a hamlet near 
Raleigh North Carolina. Although 
his parents were poor, they were 
devoted Christians/ and the real 
foundation of their son's greatness 
was laid in the humble home where 
he was taught to regard the invisi- 
ble things of the soul and the higher mental faculties as of 
much more importance than worldly wealth. 

The father was a' wheelwright and carpenter, and young 
Thomas followed those vocations in his first youth, hoeing 
cotton in the intervals between periods of work along the 
other lines. He was the baby of the family in which there 
were fourteen children:. At five years of age he attended a 
private school, but his education was hardly begun until after 
the establishment of the State Normal in his home town, when 
he received systematic instruction!. In 1885 he entered Shaw 
•University, where he made excellent advancement. 



122 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

He became a minister of the gospel in 1886, the year in 
which his revered mother was called from the cares of earth 
to her long rest. 

So trustworthy had the young, man become in the dis- 
charge of the less important duties devolving upon him that he 
was promoted to the charge of the dining- and reading-rooms 
of the school. He was also appointed assistant teacher by 
the Home Mission Society during his closing years at the 
institution, from which he was graduated in 1890. His ordi- 
nation took place in April of the same year. 

Dr. Fuller is justly considered one of the best orators that 
came out of Shaw. He was at one time president of the 
Lyceum. After some years' experience as a teacher in the 
public schools, he founded the Franklinton Girls' Training 
School. From that position' he was called to Warrenton. 
While engaged in other work he also officiated as secretary of 
the North Carolina Sunday-School Convention. 

The rare qualities inherent in Dr. Fuller that distin- 
guished him as a race leader became apparent during his res- 
idence at Warrenton. In a fierce campaign he was elected 
over his white, rival as State Senator in 1899. Dr. Fuller's 
talen'ts had ample opportunities for display in the Legislature 
and he used them in the interest of the colored race, intro- 
ducing bills that were for the good of the people, and thereby 
winfning the respect and admiration of both the whites and the 
Negroes. Some of the most eloquent addresses ever deliv- 
ered in the Senate of the old "Tar-heel" State were delivered 
by Dr. Fuller. 

fin 1900 he was elected principal of Howe Institute, 
Memphis, Tennessee, which position he still fills with credit. 
From an ordinary third-grade high school, with property 
worth $20,000. the institution has steadily increased, both in 
influence and finances, urttil to-day it has a faculty of twenty 
members, six hundred students and $60,000 in property. It 
compares favorably with our colleges, an\d the end is not yet, 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 123 

for Howe Institute will undoubtedly grow with the passing 
years. 

Dr. Fuller is a ready writer. He is the author of a book, 
entitled "Twenty Years in Public Life," which deals with the 
trials and the ordeals incident to the career of a law-maker. 
The volume bears strong testimony to Dr. Fuller's ability as a 
writer and statesman. He is constantly in demand as a lect- 
urer before colleges and universities. Dr. Fuller bears the 
degrees of Ph.D. and D.D. worthily. He is married — to a 
graduate of Shaw — anid has a most interesting family. 

The Doctor is one of the assistant secretaries of the 
National Baptist Convention and wields a potent influence in 
denominational progress. 

As a sermonizer Dr. Fuller has attained a most enviable 
reputation. His productions are richly endowed with imagery 
and pathos, and they are filled with food for deepest thought. 



124 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



SAMUEL LIPSCOMBAGBAU MONTGOMBRBAU 
FRANCIS, B.A., D.D., Ph.D. 



Race Advocate — Brilliant Minister and Scholar. 



Samuel Lipscombageau Montgomereau Francis, son of 
James and Eleanor Francis, was born at Jamaica, B. W. L, in 
the parish of Portland, May 24, 1865. 

He attended Calabar High School, Kingston Collegiate, 
Eton of Cambridge and Notre Dame, Bordeaux, winning the 
degrees of B.A. and of PH.B. ; his Alma Mater and Latta Uni- 
versity conferred upon him the degrees of M.A. and Ph.D. in 
course,' ■ 

Dr. Francis studied theology at Pastors' College. Eck- 
stein Norton University conferred upon him the degree of D.D. 

He has taught successfully at Port-au-Prince, Hayti, Latta 
University, North Carolina, and Bluefield Seminary, West 
Virginia, where he was professor of classics and president. 

He is master of seven different 'languages, speaking sev- 
eral of them fluently. 

Dr. Francis has been pastor of churches in West Virginia, 
Kentucky, and Illinois. At Chicago he built a $40,000 house 
of worship, the Providence Baptist Church, which stands as 
a monument to his energy and! influence. He is* 1 now dean of 
the New Chicago Religious Training Seminary, at Chicago, 
Illinois. 

Dr. Francis is recognized in the United States and else- 
where as a man of great intellect. His educational advant- 
ages, his natural ability and his personality have made him a 
leader of whom his followers may well be proud. He has 
traveled extensively, and his breadth of mind and modern 






Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 125 

ideas have proved to be of great value to the institutions in 
whicfo he has been an instructor. He is devoted to the inter- 
ests of the race, and is one of the foremost advocates of re- 
forms. He would teach the masses of the Afro-American 
people, those branches that can be utilized for the good of the 
race in general, and at the same time prepare them, as indi- 
viduals, for the vicissitudes of life. 

As the head of the Training Scho'ol. Dr. Francis is en- 
abled to send out highly educated although practical instruct- 
ors, who will spread the gospel and also look after the material 
welfare of their charges. 

Dr. Francis is a believer in the great future of the Afro- 
Americans and is working with that end in view. 



126 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



RBV. J. G. GATHINGS. 



Model Christian Leader — Teacher — Sunday-School Worker- 
General Missionary of Texas. 



There is a great demand for more leaders of great force 
of character, especially in the ministry. And the subject of 

this sketch is a valuable ad- 
dition to that profession. 
The Reverend J. G. 
Gathings, of Goliad, Tex- 
as, was born near Prairie 
S t a tion, Mississippi, in 
1867. Long before he at- 
tained his majority the boy 
was employed as a teacher 
in the public schools. 

In 1880 he professed a 
hope in Christ and was 
called to the ministry. 

Lea ving Mississippi in 
1893, he settled near Rich- 
mond, Texas, where he ac- 
cepted a position in the 
public schools, teaching for 
nine years. 
Through his life and precepts he brought many souls 
to Christ. He Relieves to-day, as then, that one of the prin- 
cipal qualifications of a good instructor is to know Christ. 
So well did Mr. Gathings perform his duty as a Christian 
teacher that he was appointed, by the Texas Sunday-School 
Convention, colporteur and conductor of Normal Institutes. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 127 

At the same time he was employed as financial agent of Guad- 
alupe College, Seguin, Texas, which position he held until the 
General Baptist State Convention, at Waco, in 1908, unani- 
mously elected him State missionary. His work in that 
capacity has been so creditable that he has been continuously 
re-elected from year to year. 

Mr. Gathings is unassuming, kind-hearted and generous 
to a fault. Being young, he has not yet reached the summit 
of his ambition, but it is an assured fact that he will have ac- 
complished great things for the welfare of the race before he 
passes the zenith of life. His early experiences in the training 
of youth, his broad knowledge of human nature obtained 
through his years of work as a minister, and above all his 
devotion to the cause of the Master, cannot fail to have their 
effect. 



28 \Y H0 ' s Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND P. CARTER NEAL, A.M. 



Prize-Winner — Professor in a University — Prominent Y. M. 
C. A. Worker — Faithful Minister. 



One of the shining lights of the Afro- American race is 
Professor P. Carter Neal, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was 

born to S. Claiborne and 
Emma Neal in March, 
1869. Early in life he ex- 
hibited great aptitude for 
b o oks. After completing 
the public school course he 
mat riculated in Wayland 
Seminary, Washington, D. 
C, and graduated with hon- 
or. He then went to that 
famous college and school 
of oratory, Lincoln Uni- 
versity, from which. he took 
the degrees of A.B. and of 
A.M. 

Professor Neal was con- 
verted at the age of six- 
teen, and feeling that he 
was called to the ministry, 
he determined to prepare himself thoroughly for the work of 
preaching the gospel. Thereupon he entered Hamilton Theo- 
logical Seminary, at New York, where he compared most 
favorably with the large class! of white students in which he 
found himself. He carried off many honors. 

Professor Neal is a faithful minister, having charge of 




Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 129 

the large First Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland. He is 
also corresponding secretary of the Co-Operative State Con- 
vention of Maryland ; president of the United Ministers' Alli- 
artce, Baltimore, Maryland; organizer and first president of 
the Young- Men's Christian Association; member of the Niag- 
ara Movement; and professor of rhetoric and moral science in 
Clayton Williams University. 

As a public speaker. Doctor Xeal is among the best ; as a 
sermonizer he. is clear and pointed inl his language. His lect- 
ures are models of elegance, and they drive? home to the hearts 
of his congregation of nine hundred members the truths of 
the Eternal Word.- 

While at Wayland Seminary, Professor Neal met Miss 
Harriet A. Wimbish, and the two formed a friendship that 
soon ripened into love, and later into marriage. Mrs. Neal is 
a student — a constant source of inspiration to her distinguished 
husband. She is ever watchful of all that makes for the hap- 
piness of the home, the church, and of the community as well. 

SDr. Neal got his education under the hardest conditions 
that could oppose encouragement to his ambition. He became 
aware that only men who can and will think are promised a 
livelihood ; that thought must pass into volition and volition 
must manifest itself n action. And Mr. Neal is a man of ac- 
tion. His forceful personality, reinforced by his thorough 
knowledge of racial conditions at home amd abroad, and his 
practical ideas regarding the education of the Negro stamp 
him as one of the men capable of safe-guarding the affairs 
of the most progressive race history has recorded. 



130 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PRINCIPAL P. B. OLDHAM. 



College Graduate — Principal of Thriving School — Rising 
Young Man. 



Texas vhas produced many promising young men who to- 
day are leading lives of usefulness. And not the least among 

them is Professor P. B. 
Oldham, of Oakwood. He 
was born in 1868 to Hor- 
ace and Laura Oldham, 
both of whom have long 
since passed to their 
reward. ■ 

The boy was left at an 
early age to make his own 
way in the world. There 
were difficulties in his way 
that seemed almost insur- 
mountable, but he was built 
of the right material, and 
did not allow himself to be- 
come discouraged. He had 
faith in) God and in his own 
power to mould his future. 
Accepting Christ at York Creek Baptist Church, Staple 
Store, Texas, while he was still young, he pushed on toward 
the goal of! his ambition — the acquirement of an education. 
After completing the* studies of the common school course, he 
matriculated in Guadalupe College, from which he was grad- 
uated with distinction. 

In 1896 he was called to the ministry, and feeling the need 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 131 

of further preparation, he entered Howard University, Wash- 
ington, D. C, taking- those branches that led to the degree of 
B.D., and finishing within the required time, returned to his 
native State to lift up a standard for the people. 

For six years he taught public school, holding a first 
grade certificate. It was not long until, his ability came to be 
recognized, and Boyd Institute — which had been presided over 
by that prince of scholars, Dr. J. T. Brown — called him to the 
'presidency. Dr. Oldham has held the position, for seven years, 
adding each year to the rjumber of students and to the amount 
of property owned by the institution. Located at Oakwood, 
the center of a large colored settlement, the school has increased 
its holdings from $2,000 to $40,000. Professor Oldham 
couples teaching with preaching and he has erected Boyd's 
Chapel — named after the Reverend R. H. Boyd — to which the 
community repairs each Sunday for spiritual food. 

Professor Oldham's wife died on December 28, 1905, and 
in 1907 he married Miss Dennie Black, of Austin, Texas. 

Thoroughly informed as to the needs of the) race, Profes- 
sor Oldham is working industriously to give to the pupils who 
come under his care the best possible business instruction. 
His institution stands for all that is elevating. 



132 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



RBVBRBND CHARLES NICHOLAS HAMPTON, D.D. 



Profound Thinker — Excellent Preacher — Church-Builder- 

1 Leader. 



Charles Nicholas Hampton was born of slave parents, 
Henry, and Anna Eliza Hampton, in Butler County, Alabama, 

April 23rd, 1854. 

In the month of October, 
1865, he entered school for 
the first time. The school- 
room was under a brush 
arbor, furnshed with pine 
logs as seats. He was con- 
verted — August 28th, 1873 
— and baptized into Pine- 
top Baptist Church, Butler 
County, Alabama. 

Mr. Hampton served his 
church as clerk from 1873 
to 1878. He was also re- 
cording secretary of t n e 
Union Baptist Association 
from 1874 to 1878, and 

was licensed to preach on 
February 13th, 1878. 

In 1879 he became a student at Natchez Seminary, now 
Jackson College, Jackson, Mississippi. Graduating from the 
Normal Department in 1883, he matriculated in Roger Wil- 
liams University, Nashville, Tennessee. 

Dr. Hampton is in some respects a self-made man, who 
displayed great energy and determination in obtaining an edu- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 133 

cation. He taught school during the summer vacations, thus 
making his way through school. 

Being ordained to the ministry, he accepted a call to the 
Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Ocala, Florida, May 29th, 
1887, where he remained for nine years. While there he was 
elected trustee of Jacksonville College, Jacksonville, Florida, 
treasurer of the Florida State Convention and superintendent 
of missions. 

In March, 1896, he resigned the pastorate of Mt. Moriah 
Baptist Churdi to go to Paris, Texas, as pastor of St. Paul 
Baptist Church. He has officiated at the latter place for six- 
teen years. During that time an excellent brick structure has 
been erected at a cost of $30,000, and the church now owns 
property valued at $35,000. The membership is 412. 

Since Dr. Hampton has been in Texas he has occupied the 
following positions : corresponding secretary of Zion Baptist 
Association and Zion Baptist Sunday-School Convention ; re- 
cording secretary of Zion Baptist Association ; statistician of 
the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas ; 
and he is now second vice-president of said convention. 

In May, 1909, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
ferred upon him by Natchez College, Natchez. Mississippi, Pro- 
fessor S. H. Owens, president. 

Dr. Hampton has shown marked talent from the beginning 
of his career. He is a most excellent preacher, having a fine 
command of language ; he is a good organizer and a successful 
financier ; he has not hesitated to undertake difficult enterprises, 
and has pushed them, in every instance, to a favorable termin- 
ation. His influence has been the means of arousing the en- 
thusiasm of many a young man who has proved to be of al- 
most invaluable service to the race and denomination. 

• Dr. Hampton's fine Christian character commands the re- 
spect of all who have the honor of his acquaintance. 



134 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



ROBERT TATE TROTTER. 



Self -Made Man — Chief Mechanic — Notable Example of What 
Merit Can Do to Eliminate Race Prejudice. 



Robert Tate Trotter was born in Montgomery County, 
Missis)sippiy in 1869. His father and mother d'ied while he was 

quite young, and Tillman 
Trotter, the eldest of the 
nine children, sought 
homes for his brothers and 
sisters among good white 
families. It was f o r t u- 
nate for Robert that he 
fell into the hands of kind 
people who paid him a few 
dollars per month, a fair 
salary at that time for 
plow-hands in some por- 
tions of the South. 

After eight years he ran 
away and went from place 
to place, finally reaching 
Kansas City, in 1886, with 
thirty cents in his pockets, 
and that, too, without any acquaintances. Occasionally he 
was told by the police to move on, as he walked about the 
streets. 

The H. F. Johnson Grocery Company employed him for. 
nine months at a salary of $9 per month, room and board. 
Being a country lad, he did not discover the difference between 
country and city wages, and was perfectly satisfied with this 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 135 

amount until a newly-made friend opened his eyes by securing 
him a position with Woolf Brothers, at $10.50 per week. 

One day, as Mr. Trotter was going down the street, he 
saw a man fall to the ground, breaking his nose. No doctor 
was/ near, nor was there any eye-witness to the accident save 
Trotter. He assisted the man to his feet, applied such tem- 
porary remedies as were possible, and obtained a doctor. For 
this kindness the patient, after recovery, secured Mr. Trotter 
employment with the United Typewriter Company, and told 
the company to teach Trotter the business and charge the 
amount to his (the white friend's) account. 

It was the chance which Robert had long desired. He 
wettt at the trade with a will, and with the care and precision 
that are known only to those who -ucceed. After eighteen 
months, he was on a salary of $12.50 per week; then his wages 
were raised to $18 per week; next to $32 per week. 

To-day Mr. Trotter is master of every detail of the type- 
writer repair business. He is now at the head of the entire 
mechanical work of the company with which he has labored 
for twenty years. The manager of the company asserts that 
the young man is the most efficient typewriter mechanic in 
Kansas City; that he is capable of doing work which no one 
else in the city could accomplish. 

Mr. Trotter is married and has an interesting family. 
He enjoys the church work that is imposed upon him each 
Sabbath. He is a striking example of what the young men of 
the race can do. His pleasant manners and superior intelli- 
gence have rendered him extremely popular among his asso- 
ciates, and his influence over others has b^en invariably ex- 
erted for their good. 

Many Negroes are occupying positions of trust in con- 
cerns owned by whites. While the fact is kept a secret, 
they are making history for the race, demonstrating that it is 
the man who can do the work, regardless of color, that counts 
in the world of business. And Robert Tate Trotter stands out 



136 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

as an example of what a man of color can do in eliminating 
race prejudice. 

Mr. Trotter is worthy of all the good fortune that has 
come' to him. 



REVEREND R. A. BROYLES. 



Brilliant Pulpit Orator — Welfare Worker. 



The Reverend R. A. Broyles is known as one of the most 
brilliant young pulpiteers in the West. And he uses his talents 

for the welfare of the col- 
ored people who have had 
no advantages — who need 
instruction and guidance. 
Air. Broyles was grad- 
uated from Benedict Col- 
lege, South Carolina, and 
accepted a position as prin- 
cipal of the Belton High 
School, in that State. In 
1894 he resigned to go to 
Texas, where he became 
principal of the High 
School at Longview. Some 
time afterward he gave up 
the work at Longview to 
enter upon a greater sphere 
of usefulness, as principal of the State Deaf, Dumb and Blind 
Institute for Colored Youths at Austin, Texas. In the mean- 
time he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Leovia Patter- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 137 

son, of Hearne, Texas, a graduate of the Texas State Normal 
School, at Prairie View. 

Leaving Austin, they removed to Chicago and matriculated 
at the University of Chicago, to prepare for greater usefulness. 

In December, 1904, Mr. Broyles was called to the pastor- 
ate at Paris, Illinois. In April, 1907, he was called to the 
church at Rock Island.- 

Mr. Broyles is the field superintendent of the Noxubee 
Industrial School, at McLeod. Mississippi. The Noxubee 
school endeavors to reach the isolated mass of Negroes out on 
the plantations, who are remote from the influences of culture 
and refinement. It encourages the idea, "Stick to the farm," 
and makes a great effort to instill the minds of its pupils with 
the fact that the farm can be rendered a most attractive and 
profitable place. 

Mr. Broyles, through his eloquence, has proved to be a 
valuable field superintendent. He is earnest, impressive and 
convincing in argument. His honesty is such that he is unre- 
servedly trusted by all who know him. 

Prominent people — both white and colored — wherever he 
has lived vouch for his integrity and strength of character; his 
ability, courtesy, reliability, industry and true worth. 

Under the most unfavorable conditions, Mr. Broyles has 
steadily forged to the front and his success is a compliment to 
young men of like determination. 



138 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



/. FRANKLIN WALKER, D.D. 



Eloquent Preacher — Successful Business Man — Vice-President 
National Baptist Convention. 



The Reverend J. Franklin Walker] is a native of Cumber- 
land County, Virginia. He was born in 1873. He was con- 
verted at thirteen years of 
age, and prepared himself 
for the Virginia Seminary 
at Lynchburg by attending 
the Young Men's Christian 
Association's night school, 
at Richmond. He was a 
student at Lynchburg and 
Wayland Seminaries for 
some time, then took spe- 
cial work at Temple Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania, under the tuition 
of the well-known Dr. Rus- 
sell Conwell. 

Dr. Walker was licensed 
to preach by the Fifth 
Street Baptist Church, 
Richmond, Virginia, and 
was ordained by the Tren- 
ton, New Jersey, Baptist Church, in 1898, at which place he 
erected a memorial edifice.; 

Accepting a call to McDonald, Pennsylvania, he turned 
his attention toward improving the condition of the congre- 
gation, and through his influence a beautiful church was built. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 139 

The large and flourishing Corinthian) Baptist Church, of 
Indianapolis, Indiana, next tendered him a call, an;d he re- 
moved to that city, filling the pastorate with signal success un- 
til invited to the pulpit of the Zion Baptist Church, at Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, where he still resides. 

Dr. Walker's career is acknowledged to be one of the most 
brilliant among the young members of the Afro-American race. 
He is possessed of unusual financial aptitude, and through his 
exertions a fifty-year mortgage has been lifted from the Zion 
Church. He is the owner of much valuable property in that 
city, and transacts a real estate business in addition to serving 
the spiritual needs of his flock. 

As vice-president of the National Baptist Convention, his 
decisions are always judicious and impartial, for which reason 
he has endeared himself to the hearts of his brethren. 

Recognizing his sterling qualities, his power as a theo- 
logian and his unceasing efforts for the jjood of humanity. 
Guadalupe College. Seguin, Texas, ronfened upon him the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity, in 1902 

Dr. Walker is married and has a happy family. In do- 
mestic life., as well as in business and church matters, he has 
shown wisdom and proved' the value of his guidance. 



4o ^ Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND J. H. HOARD. 



Good Preacher — Missionary Worker — Postmaster. 



Some men are noted for saying little and doing much ; and 
the character that follows is one of them. 

The Reverend J. H. 
Hoard was born in Hop- 
kins County, Kentucky, in 
1862. He was educated in 
the public schools of Hop- 
kinsville, Kentucky, and 
having an earnest desire for 
additional progress, he has 
made a practice of reading 
good books, thereby acquir- 
ing a wide knowlege of men 
and events. 

Mr. Hoard's conversion 
took place in 1885, and in 
1897 he was called to the 
ministry. He served for 
two years as missionary 
pastor under the Home 
Mission Society of New York, after which he accepted a call 
to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he now resides. 

Among the positions of importance with which Air. Hoard 
has been honored is that of chairman of the Educational Board 
of the Oklahoma Baptist Convention; postmaster at Hoards- 
ville; moderator of the Southwest Creek and Seminole Dis- 
trict Association ; pastor of the First Baptist Church, Okmul- 







Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 141 

gee, Oklahoma; and pastor of the Union Baptist Church at 
Grayson. 

In 1884 Mr. Hoard married Miss Clara Locke. Eleven 
children have been born to the union. 

As a farmer and stock-raiser, as well as a minister, Mr. 
Hoard has proved exceedingly successful. He has acquired 
valuable farm land near the Henryetta gas and oil fields, which 
will eventually be the means of bridging him a very large 
income. 

Mr. Hoard is an example of the Afro-American preacher 
with a good business head, who went to the land flowing 
with milk and honey to do pioneer work. He has accumulated 
that which will be more than a future competency, and his re- 
ligious w r ork has not been interfered with in order to seek for 
wealth. 



142 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND ALBERT ROBERT BACOTE, 



Pastor — School-Teacher — A'sisochtion Secretary* — Propiinent 
Divine of Baptist State Convention. 



The Reverend Albert Robert Bacote was born at Society 
Hill, South Carolinja, more than fifty years ago, to Dembo and 

Harriet Bacote. The father was a 
shoemaker, and at one time deputy 
sheriff of Darlington County, being 
a man of some education, secured 
through the assistance of his mas- 
ter's sons, who taught him secretly 
during slavery. The mother died 
very early, leaving her husband, 
three sons and one daughter to 
struggle onward without her help. 
Albert had reached young man- 
hood before he made much progress 
educationally. He was a farm-hand 
on his father's place and worked 
hard, studying asi he worked. 
When Benedict College offered special inducements to 
enterprising students, many persons from the young man's 
home town took advantage of it, and Albert's enthusiasm was 
aroused thereby. Making a great effort, he was able to enter 
the college in October, 1886. 

Mr. Bacote, having been converted while very young, felt 
that he was called to the ministry. He was licensed to preach 
by Bethesda Baptist Church before he went to Benedict, and 
this qualified him to receive from the school the aid to which 
all ministerial students were entitled. 

His striking personality, his genial disposition and his will- 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 143 

ingness to work won him particular favors and friends at the 
institution, from which he graduated in 1891, taking the higher 
English and classical preparatory courses. 

Albert was highly esteemed, and became custodian of the 
buildings and grounds in vacation months during the last three 
years of his stay at Benedict. 

Soon after graduation he accepted the principalship of the 
public school at Society Hill. He also became the pastor of 
the Baptist Church at the same place. He has faithfully served 
in both capacities to this time, giving the best years of his life 
and the full benefit of his experience that those who needed 
guidance and encouragement might be given proper instruction 
and aided in the development of their higher faculties. 

Mr. Bacote is honest, faithful and energetic. He is an out- 
spoken advocate of temperance and takes an active part in the 
missionary and educational work in his State. He has literally 
gone about the neighborhood in which he has lived for fifty 
years and urged and assisted young men and women off to 
college. 

The noble, unselfish work of Albert R. Bacote will live long 
after he is no more. The community has never furnished a 
more exemplary Christian! or a more sincere lover of the race 
than this useful and honorable man. 

He was married, years ago, to a refined young woman of 
Georgetown, South Carolina. Airs. Bacote has been a comfort 
to him in all his conflicts with adversity. 

His style of preaching is on the conversational order. He 
exhibits no flights of oratory, but his earnestness and con- 
vincing words and manner bring out the great truths of Chris- 
tianity so clearly that his sermons are exceedingly effective. 

Mr. Bacote is a shining example of unselfishness, and coni- 
plete consecration to the work of the Master. He has made 
good under adverse circumstances. 



i44 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PROFESSOR WILLIAM EDWARD ROBINSON, BS. 



A Leader of Modem Thought—Brilliant Educator— Sunday- 
. School Worker. 



Professor William Edward Robinson was born near Har- 
mony Village, Middlesex County, Virginia, to Henry R. and 

Mary E. Robinson. While 
a boy he became acquainted 
with farming and oystering. 
which have served him well 
as a means of securing a 
broader and more compre- 
hensive knowledge of eco- 
nomic conditions and of the 
needs of the race. He 
went from the public 
schools to Wayland Semin- 
ary, thence to Howard Uni- 
versity, from which he was 
graduated in 1896 with the 
degree of B.S. After leav- 
i n g the University, he 
taught for several years in 
the public schools, laying 
the foundation of his subsequent brilliant success as an in- 
structor of the highest type. In 1904 he was elected to the 
principalship of the Rappahannock Industrial Academy, Oze- 
ana, Virginia, where he made good use of his practical knowl- 
edge, teaching those things that would prove most necessary 
to the pupils in after life, and at the same time inculcating re- 
ligious truths with great fervor. The erection of a three-story 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 145 

dormitory for girls, the installation: of a hydraulic water sup- 
ply and the creditable work by the young men and women. are 
some/ of the results of his strenuous efforts. 

'Professor Robinson has been president of onle Sunday- 
School Convention for thirteen consecutive years. Under his 
guidance the convention is doing much to advance the work 
of the Sunday-school and to foster education. He is also 
vice-president of the State Sunday-school Convention'. 

Professor Robinson holds a unique position among the 
people, and he embraces the opportunity to temper racial prej- 
udices by teaching and showing that education is a means of 
greater service rather than the sowing of the seeds of indolence 
or the fomentation of strife. 

In 1904 he was married to Miss Sinclair Wheeler, a 
graduate of Morgan College, Baltimore, Maryland. She is a 
tdacher of great worth and makes an impression for good upon 
the minds of all who come within the circle of her influence. 

Professor Robinson owns a beautiful home in Harmony 
Village, Virginia, where he spends his vacations in happiness 
with his little family. 

It has been said that the Sunday-school is the hope of the 
Nation!. Professor Robinson realizes that the Negro race is. 
destined to play a far more important part in the Nation in the 
future than it has in the past, anld he is using the Sunday- 
school as a means of preparing Afro-American youth for 
creditable performance of the duties of life, whatever they 
may be. The one who receives a thorough education is. ready 
to fill any station to which he may rise arid Professor Robinson 
sees that his students, both in the day and Sunday-schools, are 
well equipped. His devotion to their spiritual welfare, his wis- 
dom as, to the needs of their material existence, and his clear 
conception of mental and moral excellence have enabled those 
who have come unlder his tuition to take broad views of every 
subject connected with the advancement of the race in general. 

Professor Robinson is in the front rank of teachers. He 
is a leader of modern thought and is constantly in demand as 



146 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

a lecturer before colleges on' topics of vital importance. Few 
young men enjoy wider and more enviable fame or wear 
more becomingly the honors of their Alma Mater than does 
Professor Robinson. 



REVEREND MOSES W. D. NORMAN, LL.D. 



Dean of Theological School — Noted Commencement Orator — 
Executive Head of Fifty Thousand Baptists — Pastor of 
Large and Flourishing Church. 



The Reverend Moses; W. D. Norman, LL.D., was born 
August 27, 1867, near Plymouth, North Carolina, to Moses and 

Caroline Norman. He was 
educated at State Normal 
School, Plymouth, and at 
Shaw University, receiving 
the degree of A.B. from the 
latter in 1893. 

Dr. Norman took a spe- 
cial course in oratory in 
Emerson School of Orato- 
ry, Boston, Massachusetts. 
He is justly considered one 
of the finest public speak- 
ers of the Afro-American 
race. He expresses himself 
clearly, forcibly and with 
great elegance of language. 
In 1896 Shaw University 
conferred upon him the 
degree of A.M. and in 1901 
Virginia Seminary and Col- 
, lege, Lynchburg, Virgnia, 

gave him the degree of A.M., and in 191 1 Virginia Seminary 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 147 

and College, Lynchburg, Virginia, gave him the degree of D.D. 
That of LL.D. was conferred by Guadalupe College in 1912. 

Dr. Norman married Miss Fannie Bridgers, an alumna of 
Shaw University, in 1893. 

From 1893 to 1896 he was dean of the Theological De- 
partment of Shaw University. For five years he served as 
president of Roanoke Institute, Elizabeth City, North Caro- 
lina, and (officiated as pastor in' a church in that State, after 
which he accepted a call to Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ports- 
mouth, Virginia. The church grew rapidly in every way un- 
der his leadership. 

Dr. Norman is now pastor of the Metropolitan Church, 
the largest Baptist /Church in Washington, D. C, and one of 
the largest inj the denomination. He is also moderator of the 
General Baptist Association of the District of Columbia. 

Despite his busy life as a minister and college professor, 
Dr. Norman finds time to do much valuable writing. He has 
served as editor of a paper, and he is the author of many ex- 
cellent articles that have been published in various periodicals. 

The influence of such men as Dr. Norman' has given a 
wonderful impetus to the advancement of the race and of the 
Baptist denomination. As an instructor — as dean of a theo- 
logical seminary — Dr. Norman was a moulder of thought, and 
his teachings will bet promulgated for many years through his 
pupils. Thus it is that the' greatest good is accomplished by 
means of ever-widening circles. 

From the pulpit of a large church this distinguished mem- 
ber of the Afro-American race now inspires his congregation 
to use every exertion to improve itself ; to work unsparingly 
for the development of the rising generation. He realizes that 
there is a great future for the race, but he also knows that un- 
ceasing effort is necessary to success — to achievement. 

Dr. Norman's clear brain and noble heart have been of 
almost untold advantage in the work of preparing the young 
for lives of usefulness, and those who have come under his 



148 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

tuition have learned to look beneath the surface of things into 
the deeper channels ; to seek not worldly treasures, but to value 
above all else the higher qualities of mind and the Christian 
virtues. 

Unselfish endeavor in any direction for the good of others 
brings its reward and Dr. Norman has won for himself an 
enviable place in the hearts of his congregation and of the 
denomination^, as well as of the race in general. 

He is a commencement speaker of note, and it has been 
remarked on such occasions that he has a most exceptional 
faculty of impressing his ideas firmly upon the minds of his 
listeners. 

Dr. Norman is employing his talents in the highest way, 
and cannot fail to accomplish much good. 



Who^s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 149 



RBVERBND P. R. WASHINGTON. 



Successful Preacher — Sunday-School Worker — Financier- 
First Vice-President State Sunday-School Convention. 



The useful minister instructs his people along material as 
well as spiritual lines; and the Reverend P. R. Washington. 

born on March 15th, 1874, 
at Clarksville, Texas, to 
George and Catherine 
Washington, is one of that 
kind. At the age of twelve 
years he was converted and 
joined the Hopewell Bap- 
tist Church, Red River 
County, Texas. 

He attended Bishop Col- 
lege, Marshall, Texas; from 
1901 to 1907, and was an 
earnest student. 

In 1904 he was called to 
the ministry, taking up pas- 
toral work soon after his 
ordination, in 1895. 

Mr. Washington has 
served six qhurch&s with excellent results. His present charge 
is Saint Paul Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, a fine 
church with several hundred members, who have prospered 
both indivdually and collectively under his leadership. 

He has been pr^sment of several Sunday-school conven- 
tions, and was for eight years first vice-president of the State 




150 Who '$ Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Sunday-School Convention. He is now a member of the State 
Mission an/d Educational Boards. 

Mr. Washington has been more than ordinarily successful 
in, business and he owns much property in Boley, Oklahoma, 
and Fort Worth and Sherman, Texas. 

He attributes a large portion of his material advancement 
to his refined and business-like wife, Mrs. Allie V. Walker- 
Washington. 

With Mr. Washington's versatile talents, he will doubtless 
continue to perform the best of service to the denomination and 
race. He is still a young man, and he has already acquired a 
competency, so that he, may now devote his entire energies to 
the task of opening up new avenues of labor for the Afro- 
Americans o£ his State. There is a wonderful opportunity to 
do that which will not only bring great honor to him person- 
ally, but will also advance the interests of his fellow-men, and 
judging the future by the past, it is plain that Mr. Washington 
will not hesitate to take advantage of that opportunity. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 151 



F. L. MORRIS, A.B., D.D. 



Popular Young Minister } with Promising Future — Pastor of 
Large Congregation. 



The Reverend F. L. Morris is a native of Texas. He 
professed a hope in Christ in 1897,, and was baptized and re- 
ceived into the Church in 
the same year. 

In 1898 he was called to 
preach, and by way of 
p r e p a! ration he entered 
Guadalupe College, Seguin- 
Texas, where he took a 
literary course, after which 
he studied theology. The 
degree of A.B. and that of 
B.D. were conferred upon 
him by his Alma Mater. 

Dr. Morris was ordained 
to the ministry in May. 
1904, and in 1907 he suc- 
ceeded the late Dr. Mitch- 
ell Harrison to the pastor- 
ate of one of the largest 
and most prosperous churches in Southwest Texas — the Pal- 
estine Baptist Church, located at Victoria. 

. Dr. Morris has received many calls to go elsewhere, but 
his congregation is attached to him and refuses to entertain 
the thought of giving him up. 

The young minister has a bright future- — one in which he 
will doubtless have a hand in racial work — that of aiding in 




152 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

the development of those qualities that make for the uplift of 
Afro-Americans in particular, and of humanity in general. 

The affection with which Dr. Morris is regarded by his 
people will render his task less difficult, and will also stimulate 
him to great effort, that his coming life may fulfill the promise 
of his past, arid surpass the achievement of the present, which 
is greatly to his credit, Texas is proud of him and the denom- 
ination which he so faithfully serves has in him an exponent 
of usefulness of which it is not ashamed. 



REVEREND S. S. JONES, D.D. 



Missionary — Financier— Pastor of Wealthy Congregation — 
President State Convention. 



S. S. Jones is a Westerner by adoption and is a many- 
sided man. He is a Southerner and Tennessee is the State of 

— „...,,_. — — -i his birth, in 1869. ^ n early life he 

moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He 
was converted to a hope in Christ 
in 1 88 1, and was called to the min- 
■ - istry at the same time. He at- 

tended Howe Baptist Institute, at 
BBL Memphis, and taught in the public 

r ^^. schools' for a number of years. 

In 1889, when Oklahoma was 
I opened to settlement, he was sent 
from New York by the American 
Baptist Home Missionary Society 
— : to labor in, the new field. He has 

continued to work in Oklahoma for twenty-three years, eleven 
years of which time he served under the auspices of the above- 
named society. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 153 

Dr. Jones has built the following churches in Oklahoma : 
Mt. Olive, Dover; First Baptist, Enid; St. John, Oxley; First 
Baptist, Guthrie; and First Baptist, Muskogee. The latter 
edifice cost in the aggregate $23,000. The parsonage is valued 
at $5,000. Through the efforts of Mr. Jones, each of the 
churches built under/ his supervision is out of debt. He is at 
present pastor of the largest and wealthiest Baptist church in 
the State of Oklahoma. Its membership numbers 1.1 72. Dr. 
Jones is president of the Baptist State Convention, president 
of the Muskogee Fruit and Bottling Company, and editor of 
the Baptist Informer. 

The career of Dr. Jones illustrates what can be accom- 
plished by honesty, industry and determination. Although of 
slave parentage and brought up on a farm, he was not afraid 
of hard work and by perseverance he was enabled to rise far 
above the conditions that hampered his youth. He is called 
a business preacher, and he is a laudable example of pains- 
taking industry. 

Those who are most deeply concerned in regard to the 
future welfare of the Afro- American race realize that in order 
to make proper advancement, the young men and women must 
be instructed along commercial and industrial lines as well as 
in matters pertaining to religion. Dr. Jones has labored un- 
ceasingly to demonstrate this fact, and he is widely recognized 
as the tried and true friend. He is a born leader of men; a 
leader who; knows how to fight, and for what to fight. He is 
a veritable pioneer in the new State and the commanding place 
in the ranks of the National Baptist Convention which Okla- 
homa Baptists now enjoy is due largely to his untiring efforts. 



t54 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



/. C. JACKSON, D.D. 



Farmer — Statistician of the New England Convention — Vice- 
President — Board Member — Noted Evangelist — Man of 
Influence. 



When great and good men fall, jt is a call for otheis to 
aspire to their places. It was a part of the training of the 

youth in olden time that 
they should spend some" 
time in the chambers of the 
honored dead among the 
statuary of noble men, that 
they might catch something 
of their nobility. 

When the subject of our 
sketch was born, South 
Carolina was honored with 
the services of such noted 
men as Dr. James Hamil- 
ton and Isaac Brockinton ; 
the former a learned 
Northerner and the latter 
a native pioneer with the 
spirit of a genius. Among 
the many who became in- 
spired and who resolved to make service the real measure of 
their greatness was the distinguished subject of this sketch. 
The Rev. J. C. Jackson, D.D., of Jerkintown, Pennsyl-. 
vania, was born in Rocky Mount, Fairfield County, South 
Carolina, on January 25th, 1866, of slave parents, Henry and 
Amy Jackson. The father died when the boy was ten years 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 155 

old, leaving the mother to care for two children. From that 
time the son's path was hard, but. determined to make a suc- 
cess of life, and believing- that what others had done he could 
do, he undertook the most difficult tasks without hesitation. 

While a student in the country schools, he paid his board 
by working when the short terms closed. It was seven miles 
to the little school-house, but he willingly walked the distance 
each day, so anxious was he to receive ai> education. 

After his conversion he felt called upon to preach, and en- 
tered Benedict College, from which he was graduated in 1896. 

Dr. Jackson's wife died ini that year, and the entire care of 
his two children devolved upon him. 

In 1897 he married Miss Mamie E. Henderson, of Winns- 
boro, a graduate of Claflin University. Orangeburg, South 
Carolina. 

In August, 1889, he was licensed to preach by the Rev- 
erend J. B. Williams, of the Gethsemane Baptist Church. 

The young preacher's ordination! took place in August, 
1891. He was pastor of St. Paul's Church at W r innsboro, 
South Carolina; of St. Paul's at Anderson, South Carolina; 
served as pastor of Court Street Church, Lynchburg, Virginia ; 
and was finally called to the Salem Baptist Church, of Jenkin- 
town, Pennsylvaia, where he still serves acceptably. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him 
by Guadalupe College in 1904. \ 

Since leaving college Dr. Jackson has been a diligent 
student, taking extension courses and devoting much time to 
special branches. He has accomplished a prodigious amount 
of religious work in addition to filling appointments to preach. 
He is knfown well and favorably throughout the United States, 
having conducted meetings in many of the best churches in the 
country. 

During the last fourteen years Dr. Jackson has been con- 
stantly retained on one or another of the boards of the National 
Baptist Convention. He is now vice-president for Pennsyl- 



156 Who j s Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

vania and statistician of the New England Baptist Convention. 

In all the vicissitudes of life, no matter how trying, he has 
been courageous and hopeful, which fact has undoubtedly con- 
tributed in a large measure to the success of his undertakings. 
His Christian fortitude and his devotion to the Church have 
won the respect and loyalty of members wherever he has been 
located. 

Dr. Jackson is generally regarded as a leader among Afro- 
Americans. He has cherished plans for their material pros- 
perity and mental advancement as well as for the salvation of 
their souls, and thus far his efforts have been marked with sig- 
nal success. He teaches that patience and industry are neces- 
sary to real progress and that love of God is evinced by love of 
our fellow-men. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



57 



REVEREND A. P. COOKSEY. 



Popular Pastor — Earnest Worker — Good Speaker. 



The Reverend A. P. Cooksey was born December 13th, 
1877, in Navarro County, near Corsicana, Texas. He at- 
tended the public schools at Chat- 
field, Texas, and was .converted in 
1893. In 1895 he was called to 
the ministry, entering- the Aca- 
demic Department of Bishop Col- 
lege in 1900. Later he studied 
theology in the same institution. 

He has served several churches 
with great credit and has built some 
fine edifices. He is at present pas- 
tor of the First Baptist Church at 
Longview, Texas, where for two 
years he has made a signal success. 
Mr. Cooksey is yet a young man 
and what he has already accom- 
plished gives promise of great 
things for the future. He is an earnest worker, an excellent 
speaker, and he has a happy faculty of assimilating himself 
with his people. It is to young divines of his class that the 
Church must look for the upbuilding of high moral character 
among its members, and for the extension of its influence in 
the time to come. 

There is work to be done for the welfare of the Afro- 
American race and Mr. Cooksey is eminently fitted to succeed. 
Brother Cooksey is quiet and unassuming, yet vigilant and apt 
as a teacher, pushing his work steadily forward in the face of 
great odds. 




158 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND J. H. EASON, D.D. 



State Missionary — Professor of Mathematics, Logician — Edi- 
tor — Eminent Minister and Writer — Commanding Figure 
in State and Nation. 



Reverend James H. Eason was born in 1866 — October 
24th — at Sumterville, Sumter County, Alabama. He was 

the oldest son of Deacon 
Jesse and Channy Eason. 
In 1872 he entered the 
public school of his county. 
He was considered a bright 
chap and fond of wrest- 
ling. He became a member 
of the church in 1881, the 
year in which he matricu- 
lated in Selma University, 
from which he was grad- 
uated in 1885. In 1883, 
while a student, he began 
teaching in the public 
schools of the State, be- 
coming later the principal 
of Garfield Academy, Au- 
burn, Alabama. He also 
became missionary for the State of Alabama, under the aus- 
pices of the Home Missionary Society of New York. He 
was graduated from the Richmond Theological Seminary in 
1890, at the head of his- class, taking the B.D. degree. He 
became professor of mathematics in Selma University during 
the same year, and in 1891 was ordained tof the 1 gospel minis- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 159 

try. In 1893 he was assigned the chair of logic and mental 
science in, the University, and *so well did he fill the position 
that he was talked of as the coming president of the fechool. 

In 1 89 1 he began, the pastorate of a ^mall country church, 
and in 1894 became moderator of the New Cahaba Association. 

His marriage to Miss Phoebe A. Kigh, a brilliant teacher, 
took place in 1894, at Selma, Alabama. During the following 
year he became editor of the Baptist Leader, the organ of the 
colored Baptists of Alabama. In that capacity he served very 
acceptably for years. Dr. Eason was recommended as Minis- 
ter to Liberia by the Immigration Club of Selma in 1896-7. 
His installation as pastor of the Galilee (now the Seventeenth 
Street) Baptist Church occurred in December, 1898. 

At forty years of age — in 1906 — he was elected president 
and made leader of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. 

In 1910 he attended the World's Missionary Conference in 
Edinburgh, Scotland, and preached at the famous Cursethers 
Baptist Church in that city. The editor heard his sermon 
upon that occasion. It was pointed and eloquent, and was 
well received by the large audience that had never heard a 
colored preacher. He visited Paris and Brussels during this 
trip abroad, and attracted wide attention by his pious and 
scholarly bearing and familiarity with the points of interest. 

Dr. Eason is still pastor of the Seventeenth Street Bap- 
tist Church of Anniston. The enrollment of the church when 
he became pastor was only one hundred and fifty, but through 
his labors it has been increased to five hundred persons, and 
the little frame building has been exchanged for a large brick 
structure with an auditorium fifty by seventy feet in extent. 

Dr. Eason is a remarkably efficient man, and the State is 
prospering under his leadership as president of the Baptist 
Convention. He is unique in character, majestic in his indi- 
viduality. He is bold without rashness, constant, but not ob- 
stinate. He puts caution against hope, so that hope will not 
become premature ; he puts hope against caution, so that cau- 
tion will not yield to fear nor danger. His love finds its high- 



i6o Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

est expression in the welfare of humanity. He is a great 
man, but, unlike many great men, he can be approached by 
the humblest person. 

Dr. Eason is regarded as one of the most profound think- 
ers in the denomination. In one of his' most notable sermons 
— before the National Convention — the richness and firmness 
of his thought and expression were strongly impressed upon 
the audience, and he swayed it at will, and at once rose as one 
of the great orators of the race. 

Dr. Eason is distinguished by a deep-seated devotion to 
the Afro- American race ; he has an abiding faith in the possi- 
bilities of the future. (His chief characteristic is loyalty. 

His wife, a most lovable woman, has been) a tower of 
strength to him. The union has been blessed with three chil- 
dren, of whom only Gladys Pearl is living. 

If we measure greatness by unselfish service rendered, 
the Reverend J. H. Eason is indeed great. He wrote "Sancti- 
fication versus Fanaticism," the first book published by the 
National Baptist Publishing Board. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him 
by Guadalupe College, Texas, in 1896. 

Dr. Eason's ability and energy have enabled him to ren- 
der noble services to the cause to which he has consecrated 
his life. Being a man of high ideals with a' level head and an 
unimpeachable character, his generalship is safe and his fol- 
lowers will wear palms of victory when the smoke of battle is 
cleared away. / 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 161 



RBVERBND J. J. GOODWIN. 



Self-Made Man — Teacher and Minister. 



The Reverend J. J. Goodwyn is a native of Shelby County, 
Texas, and is in the prime of life, being abcut fifty years old. 

In 1879 he was married to Miss 
Narcissus White. Thirteen chil- 
dren were born to the couple, 
twelve of whom are living at the 
present time. 

Mr. Goodwyn had few opportu- 
nities in the way of schooling, but 
through his own efforts acquired 
an education. He studied very 
. hard in order to fit himself for 
:JjA w / |BJ|| teachings and was connected with 

flgg V "'WT Jm \ the public schools as an instructor 
f dm mk >•> 1 'J for thirteen years. 

In 1884 ne united with the Shady 
Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Panola County, and was 
baptized on the 23rd of September. After serving in the 
capacity of a deacon for nine months, he was^ 'licensed to 
preach, being ordained October 16th, 1886. 

For twenty-one years Mr. Goodwyn was clerk of the East 
Texas Bethel Association. He is now the moderator of the 
same association. He has been successively clerk of the East 
Texas Bethel Association and president of the same organiza- 
tion. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Texas 
Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and also pastor of the 




162 Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

Pine Grove, Carthage Church, and of the Corinth, Long 
Branch and Wayside, Tacoma. 

Mr. Goodwyn and his wife have a fine home and 812 acres 
of land. They are doing both home and foreign missionary 
work, and they feel that the bread which they have cast upon 
the waters has indeed returned to them. 



RBVBRBND DOCK BALLARD JACKSON, D.D. 



School-Teacher — ChurcH-Builder — Business _ Man—Honored 
Minister — Uncompromising Baptist. 



The Reverend Dock Ballard Jackson was born in] Octo- 
ber, 1859, near Memphis, Tennessee. His parents removed to 

Crittenden, Arkansas, when their 
son was a small boy. He was con- 
verted and united _ with the Pleas- 
ant Grove Baptist Church in 1882. 
Fitting himself at Memphis to fill 
a position as teacher, he returned 
to his adopted home, at Marion, 
Arkansas, where he taught for sev- 
eral years, resigning to enter Roger 
Williams University, from which 
institution he was graduated in 
1896. 

While at the University he was 

convinced that he was called to 

the ministry ; therefore he took special theological branches, 

which gave him a strong foundation upon which to build a 

storehouse of valuable information. 

Dr. Jackson was ordairfed at the Rising Sun Baptist 
Church, Marion, Arkansas, in 1893. Soon afterward he was 
elected missionary of the East Arkansas Association. In 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 163 

1895 he was made State missionary of West Tennessee, and 
he traveled extensively, visiting- remote points within the lim- 
its of the convention, arousing intense interest in mission 
work. 

In September, 1897, Mt. Zionj Baptist Church called him 
to her pastorate, where he remained one month, when he 
went to Bethlehem Church, Hill City. He remodeled the 
church, and canceled long-standing debts. As soon as this 
was accomplished, Rockwood Church invited him to her pas- 
torate, where the situation was anything but favorable. With- 
in nine months and twelve days he erected an edifice, placed 
the church in an excellent condition, and resigned and went 
West, as he believed the Holy Spirit dictated. 

In August, 1900, he assumed charge of the Rose Hill 
Baptist Church, Kanisas City, Kansas, at the earnest solicita- 
tion of the congregation, which numbered seventy-two per- 
sons. They were worshiping) in a small frame building. Dr. 
Jackson gathered the scattered flock around him, purchased a 
new site and succeeded in erecting a beautiful stone structure 
— one of the most imposing in Kansas — and that, too, without 
creating any debt. The church now has six hundred mem- 
bers, well disciplined, and filled with enthusiasm and mission- 
ary spirit. 

Dr. Jackson is a business man as well as a preacher of 
power. He was at one time identified with the Kansas City 
Embalming Company. Several years ago he served as secre- 
tary of the Kaw Valley Association and as an officer of the 
Baptist State Convention of Kansas. He is now treasurer of 
the Kansas-Missouri Association. On December 6th, 1912, 
the Correspondence School of Washington, D. C, recognized 
in him a minister of power, learned in the Scriptures and 
forceful in the presentation of thought. It therefore con- 
ferred upon, him the degree of D.D. 

Dr. Jackson is a credit to the community and the State in 
which he lives. He is a fearless advocate of Baptist princi- 



164 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

pies. Mrs. Jackson, his accomplished wife, shares equally 
with him in all that makes for the best interests of his 
parishioners. 



REVEREND GEORGE AUGUSTUS GOODWIN, 
B.A., D.D. 



Farmer* — Saiutatorian — Musical Director — Critic — Professor 
of Theology — Secretary of State Teachers' Association — 
Commencement Orator — Great Pastor. 



The Reverend George Augustus Goodwin is the eldest 
son of George and Catherine Goodwin*. He was born at 

Augusta, Georgia, in t h e 
early sixties, and was bap- 
tized in 1879. He lived on 
a farm in early life, an<d 
was a pupil of the "Yankee 
teachers." In 1884 he grad- 
uated, as saiutatorian, from 
Mor ehouse College, At- 
lanta, Georgia, where he 
had been a tutor. 

Dr. Goodwin was an act- 
ive Sunday-school teacher 
and choir master for years, 
a n d he organized several 
juvenile institutions. His 
fine tenor voice caused him 
to be in demand as a sing- 
er, and he was repeatedly 
importuned to join traveling quartettes. He was a teacher 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 165 

at fifteen years of age. and also director of music in the col- 
lege that he was then attending. 

Among the positions of honor which he has filled are 
those of military critic and adjutant of the Third Battalion of 
Volunteers (Georgia) ; teacher in Peabody and County Nor- 
mal Schools of Georgia and Florida; prime mover in the or- 
ganization of the Georgia Colored and the Florida Colored 
Teachers' Associations ; recording secretary of the former for 
seven years ; State theological instructor for Georgia ; com- 
mencement preacher for Eddy High School, Milledgeville, 
Georgia, for Union Academy, Gainesville, Florida, Preparatory 
Department of Livingstone College (A. M: E. Z.), Salisbury. 
North Carolina,, and Atlanta Baptist College; principal and 
treasurer of Walker Baptist Institute; principal of public 
schools at Augusta and Washington. Georgia ; professor of 
Biblical introduction, psychology, Church history and homi- 
letics in the Divinity School of Atlanta Baptist College, Atlan- 
ta, Georgia; president of the Alumni Association. 

Dr. Goodwin has occupied the pulpit as pastor in St. John 
Baptist Church, Gainesville, Florida ; Bethsaida, Stone Mount- 
ain, Georgia ; Fork Creek, Carlton*, Georgia ; Cross Roads, 
Promised Land, South Carolina; Springfield (First Street), 
Greenville, South Carolina. 

He has supplied as pastor pro tern.: Harmony, Thankful, 
Tabernacle, Springfield, Augusta, Georgia; Wheat Street, 
Friendship, Atlanta, Georgia : and he has received calls to 
many prominent churches which he would have accepted with 
pleasure had he not been already engaged where he felt that 
he could accomplish the greatest amount of good. 

Dr. Goodwin is a leader of men, and is an excellent or- 
ganizer. He is also well adapted to fill executive positions. 

On July 17th, 1895, he married Miss Anna Gardner, an 
accomplished teacher and pianiste of Augusta, Georgia. There 
are four children, George A. junior, Janie, Anna and Eunice, 
as the result of the union. 

Dr. Goodwin is a trenchant writer, a convincing speaker 



166 Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

anjd a thoroughly qualified instructor. He retains his mem-" 
bership in the celebrated Springfield Baptist Church, Augusta, 
Georgia, where four generations of his family have worshipped. 

The immense amount of work that Dr. Goodwin has per- 
formed successfully augurs well for the future. The fact that 
he has kept abreast of the times — that he is broad-minded — will 
no doubt urge him to even greater exertion, by which the 
Afro-American race in general will unquestionably be ad- 
vanced in many ways. 

The great Sidney Smith once said, "Be what Nature in- 
tended you for and you will succeed • be anything" else and you 
will be ten thousand times worse than nothing." Doctor 
Goodwin, as a specialist in social economics, believes that the 
greatest waste in modern society is misdirected effort. He 
recognizes Nature's talents in young men and womeni and 
skillfully develops those qualities so that they may bring the 
largest possible returns ins the battle of life among the world's 
toilers. Occupying as he does the center of the stage at a 
critical period with a brilliant past and a bright future, the 
State of South Carolina has a just right to expect of him safe 
counsel in the solution of her many racial and denominational 
problems. 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



167 



T. W. WALKER, D.D. 



Successful Pastor — Prominent Business Man — President of 
Flourishing Baptist Convention — Banker. 



The Reverend T. W. Walker organized the Sixth Avenue 
Baptist Church, at Birmingham, Alabama, building a house of 

worship at a cost of 
$10,000, and with a mem- 
bership of about 1800 souls. 
The church was destroyed 
by fire, but it was rebuilt 
by Dr. Walker and his good 
people in a very short time. 
Dr. Walker was licensed 
to preach in 1883 and was 
ordained in 1884. Dr. W. 
R. Pettiford and Rev. A. 
C. Jackson being members 
of the ordaining council. 
After ten years of service 
as pastor of the Sixth Ave- 
nue Baptist Church, he was 
called to- Bessemer, Ala- 
bama, but returned to Bir- 
mingham in a short time, 
where he organized one of the historical churches of the 
South, the Shiloh Baptist Church. At first there were 
only six members, who met in a store at the corner of Nine- 
teenth Street and Avenue G. At that time they had not a 
dollar in the world. But Providence blessed their exertionjs, 
and soon a lot was purchased at a cost of $1700, where a 







IlMaf • 


I 










>\ v mF^^m 


te&Hfr 



1 68 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

church worth $2,700 was erected. In the meantime the mem- 
bership had increased to more than two thousand. The build- 
ing became too small and it was enlarged, but again it was 
filled to overflowing with members, and the lot on the opposite 
corner was purchased at $1,400 and a commodious structure 
was built, costing nearly $40,000. 

In 1904 Dr. Walker was afflicted with an illnless that 
eventually necessitated the amputation of his right leg. In 
October, 19 10, he was able to return to his pastorate, to which 
he had been elected for life at the time of the organization^ of 
the church. 

Dr. Walker's business career has been particularly suc- 
cessful. He was the organizer of the Union Central Relief 
Association, a sick anjd accident association that works about 
125 agents and officers. He is the president, also, of the 
Union Mutual Association of Atlanta, Georgia; president of 
the Woodlawn Cemetery Company and of the society known 
as the Christian Relief ; he is a director of the Alabama Penny 
Savings Bank, the largest Negro bank in operation; moder- 
ator of the Jefferson County Missionary Baptist Association; 
president of the New Era Baptist State Convention, and pres- 
ident of the Land Company. But Dr. Walker feels that his 
work for the saving of souls is the greatest service to which 
he has been called. He has baptized more than three thous- 
and persons during his pastorate in Birmingham. 

The high esteem in which Dr. Walker is held and his 
worth as a leader of men are well illustrated by the large num- 
ber of business enterprises which he presides over an ; d leads to 
success. Educated in the school of adversity, with nothing to 
aid him along save an unwavering faith and courage led on 
by visions of better things beyond the gloom, he has developed 
into one of the greatest business men! of the age. And that 
good old-fashioned gospel that moved men to repentance in 
the early days of emancipation has enabled him to build up 
one of the most flourishing missionary congregations in the 
South, let alone hold his own in the ministry among learned 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 169 

men. Quiet and unassuming, original to a fault, his history 
will furnish food for reflection long after he is no more. 



REVEREND J. W. BAILEY, B.Th., D.D. 



Honor Man in College — School-Teacher — Missionary — 
Evangelist. 



The Reverend J. W. Bailey was educated at Bishop Col- 
lege, Marshall, Texas. In 1890 he finished the Normal and 

High English courses and grad- 
uated with honors, after which he 
secured a first-grade certificate and 
taught in the public schools of Tex- 
as for ten years. He entered the 
ministry only after a struggle, and 
was thirty years of age when he 
returned to Bishop College to begin 
a theological course. In 1901 he 
was given the degree of Th.B. 

Dr. Bailey did excellent pastoral 

work, and held some of the best 

charges in the State of Texas. 

Under his preaching many souls 

were brought to Christ, and it became evident that he would 

be a powerful evangelist. He conducted meetings for the 

pastors of Texas witlt greatj success. 

After fifteen years of pastoral work, Dr. Bailey was 
called into the missionary field, first serving as district mis- 




170 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

sionary for two years. Then he was made superintendent of 
missions for the State of Texas, which position he filled sat- 
isfactorily for four years. 

On April 26th, 1912, he received the degree o£ Doctor of 
Divinity from Friendship College, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 
M. P. Hall, D.D., president. 

His resignation as superintendent of missions was ten- 
dered that he might perform the duties of Negro Evangelist 
of the S. B. Convention, at Oklahoma! City, to which office he 
was unanimously elected in May, 1912. . ■ 

He goes into this higher work that he may do a greater 
amount of good for the race throughout the South. 

Dr. Bailey is deeply interested in furthering the religious;, 
moral and intellectual development of the people, and he has 
a host of friends throughout the country who count his leader- 
ship worthy of emulation. 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 171 



RBV. A. A. COSBY, D.D. 



Hard Student — Successful Merclmnt — Great Pastor. 



The Reverend A. A. Cosey was born at Newellton, Lou- 
isiana, in 1874, to Elias arid Jane Cosey, who were in very 

poor circumstances. After taking 
the public school course, he went 
to Natchez, graduating with high 
honors. 

Dr. Cosey was converted in 1890 
and became a member of the Stone- 
wall Baptist Church, at Newellton. 
He was called to preach at once, 
and was ordained in 1894. His 
first pastorate was at Clarksdale, 
Mississippi, where he officiated 
from 1898 to 1905, when he ac- 
cepted an invitation to take charge 
of the First Baptist Church at 
Mound Bayou. He is still at that place. 

For six years Dr. Cosey was corresponding secretary of. 
the National Baptist Benefit Board. In recognition of his val- 
uable services, Natchez College conferred upon him the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity in; 1906. 

In 1901 Dr. Cosey was united in marriage to Miss Hope 
Carter, of Helena, Arkansas. 

Dr. Cosey is vice-president of the Bank of Mound Bayou. 
He is also a heavy property-owner in Louisiana, as well as in 
Clarksdale, Mississippi, and in Mound Bayou. He is half 
owner in an ice and coal business. 




172 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Dr. Cosey is an enthusiastic race advocate, and devotes 
much time to the problems that now confront the Afro-Amer- 
icanls, along social and industrial lines. 

Mrs. Cosey is a graduate of a normal school anid of an 
agricultural college ; she is also a school-teacher of many years' 
standing, in addition to being a model wife. 

It is not often that remarkable businiess qualities are com- 
bined with scholarly attainments in one person, but Dr. Cosey 
is an example of a highly educated man| who is also a most 
successful financier and great pastor. He has an unusually 
good knowledge of Latin and Greek and of other important 
branches. Through his own exertions he has risen above the 
obstacles presented by poverty and made of himself a most 
distinguished citizen. Dr. Cosey believes in the possibilities of 
the race and the work he is accomplishing evinces the correct- 
ness of his faith. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



173 



/. W. CARTER, D.D. 



Earnest, Practical Preacher — Missionary. 



* 



The Reverend J. W. Carter, D.D., is pastor of the Mount 
Zion Missionary Baptist Church, at Denison, Texas. He is 

practical, logical, and spir- 
itual in preaching. He ranks 
among the strong men of 
Texas. 

In a missionary church 
there is much to be done 
that does not confront those 
who officiate in localities 
where the congregation has 
gotten upon an independent 
plane. Dr. Carter has la- 
bored devotedly to over- 
come these difficulties, and 
has had signal success in 
the matter of placing his 
church upon a sure footing 
and of making it a power 
in the community. The 
members are growing into a most energetic band of workers 
for the uplift of the race. They are obtaining a broader view 
of life, and are looking to the goal of spiritual development. 
And they are makng progress in a material way as well. 

It will not be long until, through the efforts of Dr. Carter, 
the Mount Zion Church will be numbered with the great influ- 
ences for good known throughout the State of Texas. 

The self-denial that is required — upon the part of the pas- 




174 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

tor — to bring such results is not always understood by the 
world at first, but faithfulness and energy are sure to meet 
their reward eventually. 

Dr. Carter's talent and his eloquence as a preacher have 
already made themselves felt beyond the confines of his church. 
Being actively identified with every denominational and racial 
enterprise, Mr. Carter may well feel proud of his record. 



JOHN EDWARD KNOX, M.S., D.D. 



Beloved Pastor — Able Instructor in Bible History an,d Mathe- 
matics — President Brinkley Academy — Superintendent of 
State Missions. 



John Edward Knox was born in Alabama, on February 
15th, 1865; his parents removed to Knoxville, Tennessee 

when he was an infant. 

He began! his education in Knox- 
ville College, where he was con- 
verted, but after making up bis 
mind that he was going to enter 
the ministry and work in the Bap- 
tist denomination, he matriculated, 
in 1884, in Roger Williams Uni- 
versity, at Nashville, Tennessee, 
where he graduated from the Col- 
lege Department in 1890. 

He studied theology under D. 
W. Phillips, D.D., who was dean 
of theology of Roger Williams 
University for many years. 

After graduation Dr. Knox was called to the Arkansas 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 175 

Baptist College, at Little Rock, as instructor in Bible history 
and mathematics. 

He there gave good service for eleven, years, helping to 
make the institution one of the best in the South for Negro 
Baptists. 

While professor at the Arkansas Baptist College he as- 
sisted in the organization of the National Baptist Publishing 
House, at Nashville, Tennessee. He was one of the charter 
members of the National Baptist Publishing Board and in that 
capacity rendered excellent service. He also served as re- 
cording secretary for the Home Mission Board for the Na- 
tional Baptist Convention. 

In May, 1901, he resigned the professorship in the Arkan- 
sas Baptist College to accept the presidency of Brinkley Acad- 
emy, at Brinkley, Arkansas. He remained at Brinkley Acad- 
emy for six years, during which time the institution prospered 
and large numbers of students were gathered into it. 

Under Dr. Knox's administation furniture and equip- 
ments were secured, buildings l and grounds improved, and the 
debts of the institution were all paid. 

While president of Brinkley Academy he also did some 
pastoral work at Stuttgart, Arkansas. 

lit May, 1907, he accepted the call of Bethel Baptist 
Church, Houston, Texas, where he has labored for the past 
five years; success has followed his pastorates, and his ability 
as a preacher is well known. Sixteen thousand dollars 
($16,000) have been raised for all purposes during his pastor- 
ate arid many souls have been converted, baptized and added 
to the Church under his administration. 

Dr. Knox's connection with Bethel Baptist Church has 
not made him lose interest in school work; for the past five 
years he has been dean of theology, and instructor in his- 
tory and literature at Houston College. 

Dr. Knox takes special interest in the missionary and 
educational work for the Negro Baptists of Texas; for three 
years he served as first vice-president of the Missionary and 



176 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

Educational Convention of Texas. He is a loyal member 
of this convention, and never misses any of its annual ses- 
sions. At the annual meeting held in Terrell. Texas, in Octo- 
ber, 191 2. he was unanimously elected State superintendent 
of missions. 

Dr. Knox is a deep thinker, a fluent and forcible speaker; 
he is constantly called upon to lecture at neighboring towns. 
He is a student of current literature as well as of economic 
and social questions. He is one of the leading men in Texas, 
shaping the destiny of the race. 

Several years ago the degree of Doctor of Divinity was 
conferred upon him by Conroe College, Conroe, Texas, and 
also by Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas. 

Dr. Knox feels that he owes much of his success as a 
public man to his beloved wife, Mrs. Isabella Knox, who has 
been his strong helper and adviser for many years. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



i77 



L. K. WILLIAMS, B.Th., D.D. 



A Strong Pastor of a Great Church — President of the Baptist 
Missionary and Educational Convention of Texas — A 
Man of Many Achievements. 



No man can read the history of the Baptists of Texas 
without discovering, among the many great men responsible 

for the denomination's tre- 
mendous growth within 
the past ten years, the 
name of one of the race's 
strong advocates, Rev. L. 
K. Williams, the pastor 
of Mount Gilead Baptist 
Church, Fort Worth. 

Mr. Williams was edu- 
cated at Bishop College. 
Marshall, Texas, and his 
struggles for advancement 
were hard and trying; yet 
so determined was he to 
obtain an education that he 
early decided "to find his 
way or make it." In school 
Mr. Williams was apt, 
thrifty and persevering, 
and he did not allow anything to deter his work. He ad- 
vanced rapidly, and was assisted at times by the friendly aid 
of the president and others interested in his welfare. He 
graduated from the institution with high honors, taking the 
degree of Bachelor of Theology. 




178 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

After doing mission and pastoral work among some of 
the country churches, the Rev. Williams was called to the pas- 
torate of Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Fort Worth- — a con- 
gregation which for wealth, intelligence and work is one of 
the most enterprising and progressive in the South. 

Doctor Williams is now engaged in erecting one of the 
finest church edifices of the country, and the amount of money 
collected for that purpose during the past twelve months was 
more than $12,000. For a number of years he has been the 
honored president of the Missionary and Educational Conven- 
tion of that State ; and as a presiding officer he is kind, con- 
servative and impartial in his decisions, giving every man an 
equal privilege. The convention over which he presides stands 
for progress — educational, financial and religious. And the 
large number of schools and colleges founded and supported 
by this convention give it an enviable position. 

Rev. Williams is a man of great force of character, known 
throughout Texas as a temperance apostle; and his sermons, 
addresses and lectures are gems' of thought, taking* high rank. 
He is a strong preacher — fearless, logical and independent in 
manner. The Rev. Williams is married and has an interesting 
family. Being ^«t on the youthful side of life, with a keen 
perception, great faith and courage, his future is bright, and 
the Baptists may well expect an enlarged sphere of usefulness 
in every department of their work under his fostering care. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 179 



PRESIDENT J. W. STRONG, B.S., D.D. 



Brilliant Educator — Safe Leader — Executive Officer. 



J. W. Strong- was born near Lafayette, Georgia, in 1854, 
to Wiley and Martha Strong. His education was begun in 

the public schools, and 
completed by a three-years 
course at Talledega Col- 
lege, under Dr. Alfred 
Wright, of Cambridge, 
Massachusetts. 

In 1868 he was convert- 
ed, and in 1876 was called 
to the ministry. 

Dr. Strong once held the 
office of alderman of the 
city of Corpus Christi, Tex- 
as. He occupied the po- 
sition of principal of the 
Runge School for ten years. 
But his greatest influence 
has been exerted as Presi- 
dent of Central Texas Col- 
lege. He has officiated as 
pastor at Corpus Christi for a number of years. Guadalupe 
College conferred upon him the degree of B.S. and later that 
of D.D. 

When he was still a small boy, Dr. Strong's parents died 
and he was compelled to hew out his own future as best he 
could. How well he has succeeded his great work for the 
Church and for the cause of education bears witness. 




180 Who j s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

A college president must be not only a man of culture, but 
■he must also be to a very large extent a man who possesses 
the inherent power of moulding ideas. Dr. Strong combines 
with a broad, keen mind the qualities desirable in one who fills 
so important a position, as that which he holds. His dearest 
wish has been to place the facilities for learning within the 
reach of all who are willing to make use of them. The pros- 
perity of the college attests to his success. 

The cause of education and the saving of souls have been 
the two moving factors in Dr. Strong's life. He numbers 
many of the best people of the Afro-American race among 
those whom he has converted and baptized. And through 
them the circle of his influence ever widens — grows greater in 
circumference. Central Texas College is his monument and 
her ever-increasing influence for good in the. hearts of count- 
less thousands attests the wisdom, coinage and faithfulness of 
the man of the age — Dr. J. W. Strong. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. i8i 



REVEREND T. L. JONES, D.D. 



Teacher — Pastor — Sociologist. 



The Reverend T. L. Jones, president of the West Florida 
Baptist Academy, Pensacola, Florida, was born on West Wal- 
nut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio, 
August 24, 1863. When a 
child he was taken to Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, where 
he received an education in 
the public schools, and in 
Fisk University. He was 
converted in 1881, and was 
baptized by the Reverend 
Nelson G. Merry, the ven- 
erable pastor of historic 
Spruce Street Baptist 
Church. For twelve years 
he taught in the city schools 
of Nashville, filling some 
of the most important po- 
sitions. He moved in the 
best literary circles and 
organized the famous Ty- 
reean Literary Circle and the Nashville Sociological Club, 
which are now known throughoutr the country. Doctor 
Jones took a lively interest in denominational affairs and 
served as president of the Nashville Sunday-School Union, 
whch raised the first money for the beginning of the National 
Baptist Publishing House, an institution which has grown to 




i82 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

enormous proportions. He was one of the organizers of the 
first Teachers' Association of Tennessee. He was a member 
of the Board of Directors of the Negro building at the Nash- 
ville Centennial Exposition, and occupied the position of chair- 
man of the Floriculture Department. 

When he was ordained to the ministry, he resigned a 
lucrative position in the Nashville city schools to enter the 
activq pastorate. 

Dr. Jones has had charge of a number of the leading 
churches in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. 
His degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by Selma 
University. 

Dr. Jones has taken advantage of every opportunity to 
advance the interests of the race in a material as well as a 
spiritual sense. It is remarkable how much good work can be 
accomplished in a life of consecration to a cause, and Dr. 
Jones has thus far made great strides in his chosen profession. 
Hisf devotion to the people has firmly entrenched him in their 
hearts, and the improvement of their condition under his 
guidance is proof of his ability. 

When the Reverend Mr. Jones stepped into the arena of 
public affairs to guide the destiny of those under his care, the 
times needed just such a man. For he was a prophet that 
could see far and wide and a leader who could unite discord- 
ant elements and use. them in the general advancement of the 
masses. He has steadily overthrown every opposition and by 
singular courage, far-reaching sagacity and endurance perched 
victory upon his banner. And just as his State protrudes far 
into the Gulf, so his influence through the school over which 
he presides extends far into the inner circles of denominational 
and racial advancement. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 183 



GBORGB EDMUND MORRIS, Ph.D., D.D. 



Pastor — Lecturer — President of Afro-American State Con- 
vention; — Vice-President of National Baptist Convention 
— A Man Among Men. ■ 



History has shown the migratory instinct in man to be a 
puissant element of human progress. God often prepares a 

man in one locality as the 
great agency by which oth- 
ers may be blessed. And 
one of the strong men of 
the denomination who has 
achieved a wide reputation 
in his adopted State as a 
leader of men is Reverend 
George Edmund Morris, of 
Morristown, New Jersey. 
He was born in Rich- 
mond, Virginia, on June 
4th. 1866. His father died 
when he was less than six 
months old. His mother, 
Fannie A. Morris, died in 
1910. 

The boy attended school two years in Richmond and 
five years in the country, living at the home of his mater- 
nal grandmother. At the age of twelve years he left school 
to help his widowed mother^ who was ill. He followed 
the race-horse business with his uncle for four years. When 




184 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

sixteen years old he returned to Richmond and worked as a 
porter in a dry-goods store, remaining there until the time of 
his conversion, in March, 1885, when he felt that God had 
called him to the ministry, and he immediately made prepara- 
tions to enter the Richmond Institute and Theological Semin- 
ary, from which he graduated in the class of 1892. 

Dr. Morris took high honors and the newspapers com- 
mented favorably upon his graduation oration!. His professor 
of Hebrew said that as a Hebrew and Greek student the young 
divine ranlked with the best in the Northern colleges. He re- 
ceived two calls to preach and one to teach, just after his grad- 
uation. He accepted the call to Gallipolis, Ohio, but was com- 
pelled, on account of ill-health, to withdraw his acceptance be- 
fore going to the church. 

After two years of recuperation, Dr. Morris took charge 
of Calvary Baptist Church at Morristown, New Jersey, where 
he has remained to the present time. The field was consid- 
ered a most difficult one. Inharmony among the members and 
lack of means had discouraged his predecessors. But on the 
first Sunday of Dr. Morris' incumbency he said: 

"With the help of God, anki your hearty co-operation in 
prayer, sympathy and money, I will build you a house of 
worship where you can worship God unmolested, to your 
heart's desire." 

The ground was bought, the building went up, and was 
dedicated in the winter of 1895-6. 

Dr. Morris' work has been simply amazing. He is in the 
front rank of the Baptist denomination. The late Dr. Fox, of 
the First Baptist Church, white, of Morristown, declared, 
after listening to a sermon delivered by Dr. Morris before that 
church, that he could not have been more highly pleased if Dr. 
Parkhurst or Dr. McArthur had been in the pulpit. A ser- 
mon delivered by Dr. Morris before the State Convention was 
said to be an able address, worthy of any institution. 

In 1897 an article written by him on the "Theanthropism 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 185 

God-Man" was published in the Baptist Magazine. Compe- 
tent critics have asserted that it was a most scholarly effort. 

In 1902 he represented New Jersey at the Young People's 
Religious and Educational Congress, in Atlanta, Georgia. His 
lecture on "The Ante-bellum Religious Life of the Race" was; 
pronounced one of the best delivered before the Congress. In 
that year he was elected president of the 1 Afro- American Bap- 
tist State Convention of New Jersey, which position he has 
held continuously since. 

Through the untiring exertions of Dr. Morris, New Jer- 
sey has taken first place in missions, acording to her numbers, 
in the great Baptist family. He has been for years the vice- 
president of the N. B. Convention — from New Jersey — and is 
also trustee of the National Training School. 

In 1908 Guadalupe College conferred on him the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity ; Conroe College conferred the degree of 
Ph.D. Although he has received several calls to important 
charges, Dr. Morris prefers to remain in Morristown until 
convinced that God wants him to go elsewhere. His sermons 
and addresses are always of a scholarly nature and are highly 
appreciated by those who have the good fortune to hear them. 
He is profoundly interested in all denominational work — in 
everything that makes for the uplift of his people. 

In 1895 Dr. Morris was married to Miss Susie Lee John- 
son, of Richmond, Virginia, the highly cultured daughter of 
the Reverend George E. Johnson. To the union have come 
three daughters and one son. They have a model home. 



1 86 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



CHARLES FRANCIS GRAVES. 



Great Executive Officer — Rising Young Educator. 



Charles Francis Graves was born on May 24th, 1878. 
at Yanceyville, North Carolina, to William P. Senior and 

Caroline Mildred Graves. 
After completing the 
course prescribed in the 
graded schools of Reids- 
ville, he entered Shaw Uni- 
versity, where he attracted 
the attention of teachers 
and pupils alike, for his ex- 
c e 1 lent work. Professor 
Graves became interested 
in the religious life under 
the preaching of Dr. J. C. 
Crosby, at Reidsville, North 
Carolina, and was con- 
verted in 1890. 

He is the honored pres- 
ident of Roanoke Collegiate 
Institute, Elizabeth City, 
North Carolina, and also 
fills the position of secretary of the Negro Fair of Elizabeth 
City. / 

His marriage — in 1904 — to Miss Hattie Forester Chavis, 
of Winion, North Carolina, a music teacher in Roanoke Insti- 
tute, has proved to be a happy union. There are three chil- 
dren, one son and two daughters. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 187 

Professor Graves' connection with Roanoke Institute is of 
twelve years' standing. During his incumbency a modern 
building has been erected, and many other improvements have 
been made. The school has seven teachers and two hundred 
and fifty pupils. The institution is self-supporting, although 
it is under the auspices of the Roanoke Baptist Association. 

The labors of Professor Graves have thus far been amply 
rewarded, for he has sent forth many who are doing effective 
work in the Lord's vineyard. Much depends upon getting the 
right start in the world, and Professor Graves endeavors to see 
that his pupils set out on the! journey of life fully equipped in 
the way of education and principles. He instills, as far as lies 
within his vpower, a love of humanity and a desire to accom- 
plish something for the benefit of the colored race. 

Professor Graves will no doubt be heard from again as a 
leader of men in the denomination! 



i88 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND J. H. ANDERSON. 



Able Preacher — Excellent Org anier —-Treasurer State Con- 
vention Educational Board. 



J. H. Anderson is a man among men. He came forth into 
the world in Amherst County, Virginia, January 27th, 1863, to 

Reuben and Francis An- 
derson. 

He received his education 
at the West Virginia Insti- 
tute, Blueneld, West Vir- 
ginia. 

On December 12th, 1890, 
he was converted, and in 
the same year was called to 
preach the gospel. He has 
filled various public offices 
of trust, among them that 
of treasurer of the Edu- 
cational Board of Okla- 
homa. He has also served 
as moderator of the Cen- 
tral Wayland Association 
for nine years. 
In 1888 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Laura A. 
Wimbush, of Lynchburg, Virginia. 

In the twenty years of his ministry Mr. Anderson has 
done much to build up the Church. He has held eight charges, 
leaving each one in better condition than when he entered upon 
the work of its pastorate. 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 189 

He is an ex-member of the Educational Board of the 
National Baptist Convention, and he has organized successfully 
two associations. 

Particular interest in the uplift of the race has led Mr. 
Anderson to undertake special labor along educational lines. 
He believes that humanity should advance proportionately in a 
mental, moral and material way. He believes that religion fos- 
ters education and that education fosters religion. His effi- 
ciency as a pastor and as> an officer of the various bodies to 
which he has belonged has enabled him to render effectual 
service. His eloquence as a speaker has been the means of 
bringing many persons into the Church. 

Mr. Anderson is regarded as one of the most substantial 
preachers in the State of his adoption, Oklahoma. He now 
resides at Coalgate, where he ministers to the needs of his 
congregation and community. 



190 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



G. N. JACKSON, D.D. 



Excellent Pastor — Wise Counsellor — Social Leader 



G. N. Jackson, D.D., the subject of this sketch, was born 
near Meadville, in Linn County, Missouri, on May 21, 1869. 

He entered the ministry 
when quite young, having 
received h i s education at 
W e s tern College, Macon, 
Missouri. He g r aduated 
from the Literary and 
T h e o logical departments 
with the degrees of B.S.D. 
and B. S. T. in 1900. A 
few years later the honor- 
ary degree of D.D. was 
conferred upon him by his 
Alma Mater, in recognition 
of his deep piety, learning 
and attainments in things 
divine. 

Dr. Jackson served the 
Bap tist State Convention 
of Missouri for seven years 
as corresponding secretary. He was pastor of the Louisiana, 
Fulton and Palmyra churches, of Missouri, and served as 
moderator of the Mount Carmel Association of Missouri 
four years. He also filled the position of grand secretary of 
the U. B. F.s and S. M. T.s of Missouri the constitutional 
limit, four years. 

Dr. Jackson is now pastor of the Warren Street Baptist 









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Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 191 

Church, of Lawrence.. Kansas, and moderator of the Kaw Val- 
ley Association. Through his influence $5,000 worth of im- 
provements have been made in the church within the two years 
of his pastorate. 

He is a wise leader, active, energetic, yet characterized by 
moderation. He is devoted to the interests of the people, and 
has proved to be a tower of strength to them, advising, admon- 
ishing, commending- — always looking after their welfare. And 
they have advanced rapidly under his guidance. 

The church has grown and its members have prospered as 
individuals. In this age of the world a pastor must be not 
only a good preacher, but a good minister as well — recognizing 
the needs of his congregation and using every means at his 
command to supply them. The church should be a com- 
munity center, where sociability is cultivated and life-long 
friendships are formed. 

The Warren Street Church has been particularly fortunate 
in this respect. Dr. Jackson's happy faculty of harmonizing 
the different elements and bringing the people together at so- 
cial functions has made him extremely popular, and his relig- 
ious work has been thereby made exceedingly, effective in the 
classic center of the Sunflower State. 



192 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND GEORGE E. READ, B.D., D.D. 



Educator — President University Alumni — National Character. 



The Reverend George E. Read was born at Smithville, 
Virginia, May 23, 1866, to William and Sarah Read. He was 

educated at Virginia Union 
University, which insti- 
tution conferred upon him 
degrees of B.D. and D.D. 
Dr. Read was converted 
in 1885 and was ordained to 
the ministry in '92. Among 
the positions which he has 
held — some of which he is 
still holding — are : pastor 
of Mount Olive Baptist 
Church, East Orange, New 
Jersey; pastor of the Afri- 
can Baptist Church, Cheri- 
tan, Virginia; principal of 
Tidewater Institute, Chesa- 
peake, Virginia ; statistician 
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign 
Missionary Convention; moderator Northampton Baptist As- 
sociation; corresponding secretary Baptist General Associa- 
tion, Virginia; and president Alumni Association of Virginia 
Union University. 

Dr. Read stands out conspicuously among the many suc- 
cessful graduates of the schools of the South fostered by the 
American Baptist Home Missionary Society. Although he is 
a comparatively young man,, he has been for the last eighteen 




Who 's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. " 193 

years one of the foremost workers of the colored Baptists of 
Virginia. 

He spent the first four years after his graduation from the 
Richmond Theological Seminary as pastor of Mount Olivet 
Baptist Church, East Orange, New Jersey, following which 
he became principal of the Tidewater Institute, Chesapeake, 
Virginia — then known as Spiller Academy — and as pastor of 
the African Baptist Church, Cheritan, Virginia. 

From the very beginning his work has been characterized 
by marked intelligence and unusual efficiency. He has been 
active, untiring and aggressive. 

The graduated of the school over which he presides have 
invariably ranked well in mind and morals in other schools of 
higher grade to which they have gone; and in daily life, as 
housekeepers, artisans and professional men and women, they 
have also been unusually successful. 

In almost every community in Virginia may be found grad- 
uates of the Tidewater Institute, living clean and wholesome 
lives, actively concerned in the welfare of the) community, and 
presenting examples of chaste and sober manhood, and as a 
rule these students are loyal to the church, and valuable assets 
of the religious life around them. The invigorating atmos- 
phere which a great thinker creates has a most remarkable 
effect upon all who dwell in it, and Professor Read's pupils 
by unconscious as well as conscious absorption acquired his 
spirit of inquiry, his method of research and habits of in- 
vestigation, his manner of attacking and mastering difficulties. 

This school is about twenty years old and it has been main- 
tained at a tremendous cost of labor and sacrifice on the part 
of the principal. It has depended in the main upon the colored 
people for support, and this has been conditioned solely upon 
the patience, persistence and personal force of the principal. 
The work has been hard, extremely hard, and only a man of 
extraordinary character and talent could have performed it. 

Apart from the work of directing the school, and despite 
the constant grind and strain which it has involved, Dr. Read 



194 Who -s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

has at the same time been one of the able and successful pas- 
tors of the State, and an indispensable factor in all the work of 
the denomination. 

Dr. Read is in every sense a leader along religious lines on 
what is known as Eastern Shore, Virginia, where there are 
about 25,000 colored people. In the face of unfavorable cir- 
cumstances and discouragements unspeakable, he has done 
much to impress his ideals upon the people and to improve their 
condition generally. Few men in any part of the South have 
done a work of such import and of so far-reaching effect as 
that of Dr. Read in behalf of the people of Eastern Shore, 
Virginia. 

His has been a life of devotion and sacrifice and his 
achievements are a tribute to industry and serious purpose. 
He is one of the few men charged with the responsibility of 
shaping the policy of the denomination and the race in Vir- 
ginia. He is now in the prime of life, and with his ripe experi- 
ence is destined to accomplish much good in the future. t 

Dr. Read is married and his refined wife has assisted him 
at every round of his endeavor, looking to the advancement of 
the people. 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 195 



B. J. BROWN, B.S., D.D. 



Evangelist — Editor — Successful Pastor. 



One of the busiest young men in the Lone Star State is 
the energetic pastor at Gainesville. Texas — B. J. Brown. 

B. J. Brown, B.S., 
D.D., was born December 
17th, 1863, at Searcy, Ar- 
kansas. He is the son of 
the Reverend James and 
Margaret Brown. 

After completing the 
course in the public schools, 
Dr. Brown was graduated 
from the Branch Normal 
College, Pine Bluff, in June, 
1890, with the degree L,.L, 
under Professor J. C. Cor- 
bin, A.M., Ph.D. 

Mr, Brown taught in the 
High School at Searcy, 
Arkansas, and was appoint- 
ed to the Peabody Normal 
by Ex-Superintendent Junius Jordan. He was ordained 
in 1894, and proved to be a successful pastor as well as 
teacher. He has been an instructor in the Baptist Acad- 
emy at Magnolia. Arkansas; State superintendent of Sunday- 
school Missions; first president of C. W. R. District Sunday- 
School Convention of Arkansas ; and was called to the pas- 
torate of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, of Gainesville, Texas, 
in 1 901, which position he yet fills. Pie is president of the 



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196 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. . 

Northwestern District Sunday-School Convention;, member of 
the Board of Directors of B. M. and Educational Conven- 
tion of Texas ; and is also a member of the Board of Foreign 
Missions, Associated Charities, and of the Examining Board 
of N. W. Association. 

As editor of the Northwestern Baptist Informer, Dr. 
Brown has exerted a great influence. He is an able writer, 
and an< orator of no mean ability, while as a preacher he is in 
the first rank. 

Dr. Brown's record as a pastor, builder, evangelist, mis- 
sionary and teacher is one of which his friends may well be 
proud. And although honors have come to him, he has never 
deviated from the line of humble Christian conduct that has 
always distinguished him. 

Mr. Brown believes that the Word of God furnishes a per- 
fect and' reasonable basis for the transaction of business in 
mental and spiritual affairs and does not allow the whims of 
others to misguide him. He is an inspiration to his people, a 
credit to the denomination and a potent factor in the uplift of 
the race. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



i97 



REVEREND J. 0. ALLEN. 



Successful and Ideal Pastor — Sunday-School Worker — Ex- 
Vice-President of South Carolina- Baptist Convention. 



The Reverend J. O. Allen, of Greenville, South Carolina, 

was ordained to the gospel ministry in November, 1887. He 

has been and is still offi- 
ciating in some of the best 
churches in Greenville, 
Laurens and Spartanburg 
counties. 

Mr. Allen is regarded as 
an ideal pastor and Bibli- 
cal teacher, looking faith- 
fully after the welfare of 
'his congregation, and tak- 
ing a keen interest in their 
mental, moral and spiritual 
development. 

He has served a9 vice- 
president and treasurer of 
the Educational and Mis- 
s i o n a r y Convention of 
South Carolina, and he has 

also served as moderator of his own Association. 

He is now president of one of the best Sunday-school 

conventions in upper South Carolina, which place he has 

filled for over twenty years. 

Mr. Allen is a wise and safe counsellor, whose advice is 

often sought, not only by many members of the race, but by 

many leading white citizens of his home city. 




198 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

A visit to his churches will convince any one that the 
members have prospered both collectively and individually un- 
der the guidance of Mr. Allen. 

His work among the young* persons of the State, his wis- 
dom in conducting the affairs of the Sunday-school, betoken 
executive ability of an unusual order. 

Mr. Allen believes that the spiritual uplift of the people 
should come before all else, and has kept that in view through 
the entire period of his ministry, which probably accounts for 
the remarkable success that has attended his efforts. 

With no trace of the poseur, no effort to make an impres- 
sion, just a man of the times, ready and- willing at every call 
to duty, the Reverend J. O. Allen is considered by all who 
know him a valuable asset to the leadership of a race only 
fifty years from slavery. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 199 



HARDIN B. BRITT, A.B., A.M. 



Valedictorian — One of the World's Greatest Gospel Singers- 
Baritone Soloist. 



There is quite a difference between vocal music and vocal 
noise. And many of the so-called singers are in reality per- 

.sons with fair voices with- 
out c u 1 1 i v ation. "The 
technique and development 
of the voice consist in how 
to increase its power and 
to extend its compass and 
capability of crescendo and 
diminuendo." Few are the 
singers who are willing, by 
years of study, to pass 
slowly up the ladder of 
fame, and train that with 
which God has endowed 
them. - 

Hardin B. Britt, son of 
Thomas and Julia Britt, 
born at Brownsville, Ed- 
monson County, Kentucky, 
in 1871, is a man of music; 
and what is more, he has 
trained and cultivated his 
voice almost to perfection. He attended the common schools, 
then went to Louisville and worked his way through the State 
University, from which institution he received his degree of 
A.B. He wears the gold medal presented to him as valedic- 




200 Who's Who Among ths Colorkd Baptists. 

torian of his class. The degree of A,M. was conferred by 
Eckstein Norton University. 

Professor Britt has held many important positions as 
chorister and soloist, and <he is now the national and interna- 
tional gospel singer of the Baptist denomination, in which 
capacity he has been an agent in God's hand, winning many 
souls into the kingdom. * 

Under the caption, "A Sweet Colored Singer," the Chris- 
tian Herald, London, England, July, 1905, said: 

"Mr. H. B. Britt, B.A., the sweet singer of Louisville, 
Kentucky, U. S. A., was the leading soloist at the recent Bap- 
tist World's Congress, London. For six years past he has 
been traveling as a singing evangelist in the Eastern States of 
America, and he has sung before thousands of people in the 
leading cities of fifteen different States. His rich, sweet bar- 
itone voice has attracted the attention of the press in a num- 
ber of places. In the great open-air demonstration of Hyde 
Park, London, in connection with the Baptist World's Con- 
gress, he sang several solos, 'Death Is Only a Dream' being 
the most effective. He also sang in the great meeting in 
Spurgeon's Tabernacle, conducted by the colored people. Mr. 
Britt and one or two colored ministers, after conducting serv- 
ices in London, expect to take part in a number of conventions 
and associations in Germany. They return to London (D. 
V.) on September 1st, and will then engage in holding serv- 
ices throughout Britain, or will return to America to be at the 
Colored Baptist National Convention, which meets on Sep- 
tember 15th." 

From the foregoing it will be seen that Professor Britt 
has acquired world fame as a singer. And he deserves all 
the encomiums that have been given him. His life, his tal- 
ents, have been consecrated to the Lord, and he is a power in 
revival work. His well-trained voice has a peculiar melody 
that is more effective than many words in the winning of 
souls to Christ. 

Professor Britt is a vocal artist who carries the gospel 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 201 

into many lands and/ softens the heart of those who hear him, 
so that the admonitions of the ministers are not in vain. 
Music is an inspiration, and the sweet singer of Louisville is 
an instrument in God's hand for the accomplishment of great 
good. 



PROFESSOR J. T. BROWN, A.B., A.M., D.D. 



Salutdtorian — Valedictorian — Scholar — Author — Editorial 
Writer — Uncompromising Baptist. 



J. T. Brown, one of the most gifted of the classical 
writers of America, is the son of slave parents, Mary and 

Prince Brown k of Hilton 
Head, South Carolina. He 
was educated in the rudi- 
ments of the English lang- 
uage at Hampton Institute, 
graduating under the late 
General S. C.» Armstrong, 
then president. He led his 
classes at Hampton, and 
did the same when he en- 
tered Lincoln University!, 
Chqster, Pennsylvania, 
where he took both the 
college and theological 
courses. He was first hon- 
or man throughout the 
seven years spent at Lin- 
coln, and developed into a 
severe critic. He delivered the Latin salutatory upon grad- 




202 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

uating from thq college course and was chosen valedictorian 
of his class three years later when\ he received his theological 
degree, June, 1891. 

" Mr. Brown was called to ordination by the First Baptist 
Church, Fernandina, Florida, the Rev. M. W. Gilbert, D.D., 
and the Rev. J. Gardner Ross, D.D., being among the mem- 
bers of the ordaining council. He became associated with 
President Gilbert, of the Florida Baptist Institute, and suc- 
ceeded the latter as president when the school was removed 
to Jacksonville and became the Florida Baptist Academy in 
1892. He was called from Florida to Montgomery, Alabama, 
where he pastored one of the largest churches in that State. 
From Alabama Mr. Brown was called to Texas,, where he 
spent fourteen years a si a teacher in what he called "a the- 
ological school on wheels." Doctor Brown's sermons and 
his addresses are masterpieces of modern composition and 
eloquence : 

"His eloquence is classic in its style; 
Not brilliant with explosive coruscations 
Of heterogeneous thoughts at random caught 
And scattered like a shower of shooting-stars." 

The Doctor is the author of several valuable theological 
works, which have received wide circulation. Among them 
"Theological Kernels," "The Cherubim," and "Seven Things 
Satan Has Taught the Baptist Churches" are the most 
important. 

One of the chief characteristics for which Dr. Brown is 
distinguished is his absolute devotion to the princples of the 
Baptist denomination. As moderator of the Florida East 
Coast Association and pastor of the Baptist Church at Miami, 
Florida, he has indoctrinated the people and raised the stand- 
ard and efficiency of the ministry. The editorials of Doctor 
Brown: are gems of thought and give to our Sunday-school 
literature in which they appear a fine polish. 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 203 

The Reverend Mr. Brown owns considerable property in 
Texas, and has been the means of influencing his people to 
make great progress along material as well as religious and 
educational lines. 

The pen is a mighty weapon for the advancement of any 
race, and Doctor Brown is filling a most important place when 
he uses his brains and his pen to expound religious truths and 
instruct his people in those things with which the man of the 
future must be conversant, if he would keep abreast of the 
times. m 

Dr. Brown has a charming wife and one son. 



204 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND GEORGE WASHINGTON GOODE, D.D. 



Institute President — Talented Minister- — Philanthropist — 
Denominational Worker. 



The Reverend George 
Henderson and Julia Goode, 




While studying theology he 
lem Baptist Church, West 
Baptist Church, Churchview 
to Calvary Baptist Church, 



Washington Goode, the son of 
was born in Patrick County, Vir- 
ginia, March 14, 1865. 

After completing the 
high school course of 
Marion, Virginia, he taught 
in the public schools for 
seven consecutive terms. 
In 1886 he became a Chris- 
tian and realized a call to 
the ministry. The follow- 
ing year he was licensed to 
preach. 

In 1889 he entered the 
R i c h m o n) d Theological 
Seminary, Richmond, Vir- 
ginia, and in three years 
he finished the institute 
course. At the end of three 
years more he graduated 
from the Theological De- 
partment with the degree 
of Bachelor of Divinity, 
also filled the pastorate of Sa- 
Point, Virginia, and Mount Zion 
, Virginia. In 1896 he was called 
Danville, Virginia. He is now 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 205 

in the seventeenth year of his work at that place. During his 
labors more than twelve hundred people have acknowledged 
Christ. 

Dr. Goode was married, in 1896, to Miss Mary L. Gaines, 
of Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Goode is a graduate of the 
Normal School of that city, and has been a teacher for seven 
years. 

In 1901 Central College, Mississippi, conferred upon him 
the degree of D.D. * \ 

In 1903, at the solicitation of the people of the city of 
Danville, he founded the Pittsylvania Industrial Academy, now 
the Pittsylvania Normal and Collegiate Institute, with full col- 
lege powers. The school has an enviable record, and affiliates 
with the famous Union University of Richmond. 

In 1905 he was chosen president of the General Associa- 
tion of Virginia, which position he held with honor for seven 
years, resigning of his own accord over the vigorous protest 
of the entire membership. His resignation was twice rejected, 
but when he pleaded over-work and ill health, the resignation 
was reluctantly accepted. Dr. Goode now wears one of the 
finest gold badges ever given a presiding officer on retiring. 
Through his ceaseless efforts and by means of his organizing 
ability the General Association and its auxiliary bodies have be- 
come quite powerful. He is prominently connected with all 
the interests of the denomination and with the educational un- 
dertakings of the Church. His appointment by the Governor 
as a delegate to Denver, Colorado, in 191 1, evidences the fact 
that Dr. Goode's talents and sterling qualities are appreciated 
by all, irrespective of color. 

He is positive, fearless, yet cautious and kind. Many 
young men and women have been helped by his strong Chris- 
tian example and instruction. 

Dr. Goode's generosity — his willingness to aid any worthy 
object — has endeared him to the people. He is now support- 
ing an African student in school. Despite his philanthropy. 
he has managed to save something. He owns a fine ten- 



206 Who 's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 

room residence in a popular portion of Danville, and a val- 
uable farm of about one hundred acres, with a neat five- 
room cottage, and other buildings for tenants. He also owns 
some fine live stock. 

Dr. Goode has served as member of the Foreign Mission 
Board of Lot Carey Convention, and as a member of the Ex- 
ecutive Board of the State Sunday-School Convention; also 
as treasurer of the State B. Y. P. U.; 

He is one of the foremost men of the denomination and 
can point to a long list of charities and a vast amount of tell- 
ing work for the advancement of the race. 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 207 



REVEREND ULYSSES SIMPSON KEELING, B.Th. 



Secretary — Minister — Writer — Edito) 



The Reverend Ulysses Simpson Keeling comes of a sturdy 
Christian family. He was born near Jewett, Leon County, 

Texas, October 7th, 1881. 
His father, B. J. Keeling, 
was a prominent member 
of Mount Olive Baptist 
Church of Jewett, from 
which the son received his 
license to preach. The 
mother, A. A. Keeling, was 
a great missionary worker 
— ^a charter member of the 
first women's society or- 
ganized in Leon County. 
She was a successful teach- 
er of twenty-five years' 
stand ing and organized 
several religious societies 
which were a power for 
good in the locality. And 
the distinction achieved by 
her talented son is tracea- 
ble to the influence of this pious, devoted mother. 

In 1900 the subject of this sketch was called to the minis- 
try, and in 1904 he entered the pastorate, in which he is dis- 
tinguished for earnestness and devotion. He is considered a 
most excellent preacher, and Texas honors him because of his 
sterling qualities and ability as a pastor and an organizer of 




208 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

men. He is at present secretary of the Texas Baptist Minis- 
ters' Conference Auxiliary to the Baptist Missionary and Edu- 
cational Convention of Texas; president of the Old Land- 
mark District B. Y. P. U. Convention; vice-president of the 
Old Landmark District Sunday-School Convention, and mem- 
ber of the Executive Board of the Texas Baptist Foreign Mis- 
sion Convention. 

Mr. Keeling was married on July 29th, 1908, to Miss 
Myrtle A. Knight, of Belton, Texas, and Mrs. Keeling is a 
constant source of help to her husband in' his ministerial labors. 
The union has been blessed with one child, U. S. Keeling, Jr. 

Mr. Keeling is at present the pastor of Pleasant Grove 
Baptist Church, at Bryan, Texas, and has the honor of preach- 
ing in one of the handsomest edifices in the State. His con- 
gregation is a flourishing one, in which there is a high degree 
of intelligence. 

Mr. Keeling was educated at Guadalupe and Central col- 
leges. He received the degree of Th.B. at Central College, 
Waco, May 25th, 191,1. He has excellent oratorical ability 
and has been elected State grand lecturer of the Order of 
United Friendship, Silver Fleece and Leaf, a fraternal order 
of high standing.. 

In 1905 he became editor of the Texas Watchman, in 
which capacity he has exhibited great ability as a writer and 
thinker. 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 209 



MRS. L. J. McNORTON. 



Prominent Woman Educator — Missionary Worker. 



Mrs. L. J. McNorton was born and reared to womanhood 
in the city of Clarksville, Texas. Her father, Wynn Bowers, 

was an exceedingly pros- 
perous farmer and trader. 
When the Honorable Ed- 
mond J. Davis was Gov- 
ernor of Texas, Mr. Bow- 
ers was on the State police 
force, where he won dis- 
tinction as a brave and at- 
tentive officer. Mr. Bow- 
ers died in 1893. 

Mrs. McNorton was ed- 
ucated in the city schools 
of Clarksvillo, and at Wy- 
ley University, in Mar- 
shall, Texas. She taught 
school in her home city, 
and afterward took a 
course in millinery and 
dressmaking in Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. She 
then opened a school of millinery and dressmaking in Clarks- 
ville, from which many young women have gone forth pre- 
pared to lead useful as well as profitable lives. 

Opening a millinery store, she was the first colored wom- 
an to visit the large wholesale houses in St. Louis and Chicago. 
Her store was twice burned out and she decided to locate in 




210 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Fort Worth, where she still carries on a school and business 
of large proportions. 

Mrs. McNortoni is a most enterprising woman and has 
done great service to the race by teaching a valuable trade. 
She is now corresponding secretary for the Women's Con- 
vention Auxiliary to the Baptist Missionary and Educational 
Convention of Texas, treasurer of the women's department 
of the Northwestern Baptist Association, and president of one 
of the largest and most successful missionary societies in the 
State. 

She is deeply interested in the educational advancement, 
of the people and is doing her utmost to bring about needed 
reforms and to fit women for lucrative positions in the world, 
that they may be elevated to an independent plane. 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 211 



RBVBRBND CHARLES BENJAMIN WILLIAM 
GORDON, D.D. 



Poet — Orator — Journalist — Representative Citizen — Bene- 
factor of the Race — Devoted Minister. 




The prophecy of the old settlers, that Charles Benjamin 
Gordon would some day be heard in the literary world, was 
well founded. 

He was born in Colerain, North 
Carolina, on November 1, 1861, to 
Daniel and Nancy Gordon, the de- 
scendants of Charles Brown Holly, a 
brave soldier of the Revolutionary 
War, whose courage and sterling 
qualities won him his freedom at the 
close of the great struggle for the lib- 
erty of the Colonies. His daughter 
was a woman of such eminent virtue 
that rather than depart from the 
moral/ law, she submitted to separation from her husband and 
child and was sold into another State. 

The country was passing through the critical period of its 
history wherf Charles was born ; the patriotism of the Negroes 
was fully aroused by the endeavors of the Government to make 
the Republic in truth the land of the free. Those who come 
into the world during epochs of great moment seenv to be 
gifted with extraordinary powers, and Charles was not an ex- 
ception to the rule. He displayed marked talent when only 
five years of age, at which time he entered the school of Thom- 
as Nixon, on Roanoke Island, Virginia, where he became the 
acknowledged genius of the institution. Making a speech be- 



212 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 

fore the school on one Friday afternoon, the young student 
surprised both teacher and pupils by his oratorical skill, and 
that without previous training. He proved the truth of the 
doctrine that geniuses are born, not made. Under many diffi- 
culties was his education continued after the removal of the 
family to Perquimans County. He worked during the day 
and studied in the evening, often remaining up until the 
morning hours, when he again went forth to hard labor. While 
a pupil at night school he became a member of a debating so- 
ciety, in which he distinguished himself in repaitee. 

In 1879 he obtained a position as teacher at Brick Kiln, 
Pasquotank County, North Carolina, and in the same year he 
sought and found the Savior. Soon after that he was elected 
principal of the public school at Windsor, North Carolina, 
and one year later he entered Richmon'd Theological Seminary, 
where he gained the admiration and respect of those with 
whom he came in contact for his excellence of character and 
'rapid progress in the studies of the course. Vacations were 
spent mainly in hard work as an evangelist. 

In 1884 Dr. Gordon received a call to Mount Calvary 
Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia^ and at the same time to 
the large First Baptist Church of Petersburg. Dr. Gordon 
felt that God's hand was in the matter ; that if one is really or- 
dained of God, he cannot fail; that often success is evidence 
that a minister is truly called of God. The position was a dif- 
ficult one. The young pastor was surrounded by the literary 
talent of the city — by the most severe critics. To reach their 
hearts he must needs be endowed with high intellect and great 
magnetism; he must be almost above temptation. Dr. Gor- 
don, although youthful and practically inexperienced, proved 
worthy of the great trust. The history of his pastorate is an 
account of one triumph after another. And the fact that he 
has remained in the pastorate at Petersburg shows that he is 
the right man for the place. 

As a preacher Dr. Gordon has a persuasive 7 quality that 
has wonderful effect upon his congregation. He does not at" 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 213 

tempt to force people into the right path ; he wins them, using 
intelligent argument. 

As a student he is brilliant, having completed his education 
at the Theological Seminary, now a part of Union University, 
Richmond, Virginia. 

Dr. Gordon's poetical ability has long been appreciated. 
His book, "The Good Shepherd," has been favorably com- 
mented upon by the best critics. 

Unstinted praise has been accorded him as a public speak- 
er, and in addition to his other good characteristics, Dr. Gor- 
don has shown himself to be unselfish, using his power not 
for his own enrichment, but for the benefit of the race. Elo- 
quently he has depicted the struggles of the Negro with pov- 
erty, prejudice and injustice. Clearly he has pointed out that 
the colored people are not as a race indolent and worthless, 
but that they have proved themselves to be industrious, loyal 
citizens, making great advancement in the brief period that 
has elapsed since emancipation. 

Since 1886 Dr. Gordon has been editor of the National 
Pilot, which is a potent influence in racial and denominational 
reforms. The distinguished editor, is also the founder of the 
American Institute and the National Orphans' Home, and he 
has been president of the National Orphan and Educational 
Association since 1891. His book, "Select Sermons," gives 
evidence of high attainments and its enormous sales have at" 
tested its popularity. May Doctor Gordon have many more 
years of usefulness and his memory ever' be cherished long 
aftei he is no more. 

Mrs. Maggie W. Gordon is a pleasing writer and is 
widely known as a reformer and leader, and, like her devoted 
husband, continues to grow in the hearts of her people. 



2i4 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 



RBVBRBND J. W. STEWART. 



A ble Preacher — Pioneer Missionary— Property-Owner 



Many are the citizens who followed Greeley's advice to 
make it westward may now boast of happiness and prosperity. 

And notably among them is 
the Reverend J. W. Stew- 
art, who first saw the light 
of day at Flat Rock, South 
Carolina, in 1856. He was 
converted in 1868, and in . 
1870 felt that he was call- 
ed upon to enter the min- 
istry, and thereafter he so 
ordered his life that when 
the time for ordination 
cam e — in 1875 — he was 
fully prepared for the 
duties which devolve upon 
those who undertake pas- 
toral work. Forty years 
ago the labors of a minis- 
ter were much more ardu- 
ous in many respects than 
they are now^ despite our growing civilization and needs. 
In the early days there were few of the conveniences that 
are now accounted necessities. It was a much more diffi- 
cult task to raise money than it is at the present time. But 
there were souls to be saved, and Mr. Stewart did not spare 
his strength. He willingly gave of the best that was in him 




Who "s Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 215 

to the cause of Christ, and as a result he has received into the 
Church — in the aggregate — more than six thousand persons, 
two thousand of whom he baptized. 

Mr. Stewart removed to Watonga, Oklahoma, in 1903, 
and served as pastor of Mount Olive and Rising Sun churches, 
after which he became a missionary of the western half of 
Oklahoma, and was employed jointly by the Oklahoma Bap- 
tist Convention and by the Home Mission Board of the Na- 
tional Baptist Convention. 

By dint of hard work and economy Mr. Stewart has ac- 
quired much property, and his declining years will doubtless 
be spent in comfort, if not in luxury. And he has earned, by 
long and faithful service, the right to take his ease. 

Mr. Stewart is loved and respected as only a pioneer min- 
ister who has labored long and earnestly can be loved and 
honored. His experience and wisdom are a constant source 
of satisfaction to his congregation. 



216 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



RBVBRBND /. F. KERSH, D.D. 



Excellent Preacher — Successful Pastor. 



The "Razor-back" State has furnished many great men to 
the denomination. And the elements of success, such as faith 

and perseverance, were 
innate and irresistibly led 
them on to a life of use- 
fulness among" men. Such 
is true of J. F. Kersh, born 
in the State of Arkansas, 
on the 14th day of Novem- 
ber, 1866, to the Reverend 
,T. R. and Amy Kersh. 
From the time of his birth 
he was surrounded by re- 
ligious influences; thus it 
was only natural that he 
should eventually enter the 
ministry, having felt the 
divine call. 

He was educated at 
Branch Normal C o 1 lege, 
Pine Bluff, Arkansas; received the degree of Doctor of Di- 
vinity from Conroe College, Conroe, Texas, many years later. 
His conversion took place in 1889, and in 1890 he began 
his pastoral labors in his native town, Varna, Arkansas. ' 

Dr. Kersh) served as justice of the peace in Arkansas, in 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 217 

the year 1890. He was married in 1896, and two children 
were born to the union. 

Dr. Kersh has officiated as secretary of the State Baptist 
Convention of Oklahoma, and for the past six years has. been 
pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Muskogee, Okla- 
homa, where he is regarded with the highest affection by his 
congregation. His eloquence and forcefulness as a speaker 
have done much to make his preaching effective, and the 
church has prospered under his charge. . 

Dr. Kersh is alive to the needs of the race in the great 
Southwest, and he has accomplished much that makes for the 
uplift of humanity. His kindness and sympathetic qualities 
have held the members of his church to him through the many 
vicissitudes that are inevitable in any religious organization, 
and he is regarded as a fixture, so greatly is he venerated by 
his people. 



218 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



MRS. MINNIE VIRGINIA MAX BY. 



Excellent Teacher — Strong Personality — Secretary of State 
Convention of Women. 



Institutions of learning, from the common schools to the 
universities, are essential to the translation of man from deep 
darkness; to light. Whatever agencies of civilization are nec- 
essary for the uplift of other races are equally needful for the 
advancement of the colored race. And) it has been the effort 
o£ Mrs. Maxey's life to impress this fact upon all who have 
come within the circle of her influence. 

Minnie Virginia Maxey was born at Branchville, Milan 
County, Texas, on June 15th, 1869, to Edmund and Joyce 
Stamps. She attended Central Tennessee College, Nashville, 
Tennessee, and from that institution she went to Central Tex- 
as College, from which she graduated with honors, being the 
valedictorian of her class. 

Her conversion took place in 1879, and from that time 
forth she has led a devoted Christion life, setting an example 
of patience and earnestness to her pupils. 

In 1900 she was married to Henry Maxey, to whom she 
has been a faithful and loving wife. 

The early promise of unusual mental power shown by 
Mrs. Maxey has not failed of fulfillment, and her career as a 
teacher in the High School of Waco, Texas, has been a bril- 
liant and interesting one. She has been able to do that ex- 
ceedingly difficult thing, arouse an enthusiasm in an over- 
whelming majority of her pupils. It is not often that general 
enthusiasm can be maintained where there is so great a diver- 
sity of life and ideas, but Mrs. Maxey seems to be an inspira- 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 219 

tion to those with whom she conies in contact. She always 
keeps her Christian duties in mind, and teaches religion and 
morals, as well as the ordinary branches of learning expected 
in the public schools. 

Mrs. Maxey is the recording secretary of the General 
Baptist Convention of the women of Texas, in which capacity 
she has given full satisfaction, and extended her influence for 
good. 

Her noble work in the uplift of fallen boys and girls has 
been eminently successful. She has snatched many a brand 
from the burning, and started many a young man and woman 
on the way to lives of usefulness and high achievement. 

Mrs. Maxey is regarded as one of the representative 
women of the Baptist denomination, who believes in the fiat. 
"Let there be light." 



22o Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND SAMUEL A. MOSELY, D.L 



Superintendent of Missions — Pastor of Great Church — Secre- 
tary of Board of Trustees of Arkansas College. 



The Reverend Samuel A. Mosely was born of humble 
parents in Franklin, Tennessee, in 1858. His early childhood 
was spent in the public schools at Helena, Arkansas, after 
which he was a student at South Land .College for seven 
years, and at the Arkansas Baptist College for two years, re- 
ceiving the degree off A.B. He wag converted in 1874, under 
the preaching of the Reverend Harrison, in Phillips County, 
Arkansas. Having been ordained to the ministry in 1878, his 
first pastorate was Mount Olive Baptist Church at Marvel, 
Arkansas. While in charge of this congregation, he was also 
employed in teaching in the public schools. He was principal 
of the High School at. Newport, Arkansas, for ten years. 

Dr. Mosely organized and built several churches, among 
them the Grace Temple Baptist at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, which 
was at the time the finest brick churcli in the State. It cost 
$30,000. 

Reverend Mosely was superintendent of State missions 
under the Southern White Board and of the National Baptist 
Publishing Board for one year ; also vice-president of the 
National Baptist Convention! for seventeen years and secre- 
tary of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Baptist Col- 
lege for fourteen years. 

He has educated two daughters who are engaged in teach- 
ing. His first wife died and he married Miss Alpha O. Clem- 
ens, of Birmingham, Alabama, who has been a faithful co- 
worker in his field of labor. 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 221 

Reverend Mosely is still pastor of Grace Temple Baptist 
Church at Pine Bluff. There are many influential members 
in the congregation and much good has been accomplished. 
The people have learned to confide their troubles to him and 
he has counseled them wisely and conscientiously. They have 
benefited both individually and collectively under his careful 
guidance. Dr. Mosely is a man of wide experience and takes 
a lively interest in every movement looking towards the im- 
provement of the people. He is a strong minister, working 
for a noble cause. 



222 Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND B. J. P. WESTBROOK, D.D. 



Successful Minister and Financier — A Bible Student — Corre- 
sponding Secretary of Inter-State Press Association. 



The Reverend B. J. F. Westbrook was born on a planta- 
tion near Bryan, Burleson County, Texas, in 1879, to Moses 

ss^sssi and Lucinda Westbrook. 
He was educated in the 
common schools of Mc- 
Clellan County, Texas, and 
at Paul Quinn and Central 
Texas Colleges. He stud- 
ied theology under Dr. J. 
T. Brown, of Central 
Texas College. 

At seventeen years of 
age, in 1896, Dr. West- 
brook was converted. He 
was licensed to preach in 
1898, and ordained and 
called to the pastorate of 
Macedonia Church, Hub- 
bard City, Texas, in 1891. 
He has officiated as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Tex- 
as, and of Mount Pleasant and Calvary Baptist churches in 
Oklahoma. He still has charge, of the latter ati Oklahoma City. 
The congregation numbers more than one thousand persons 
and more than three thouand persons have been added to the 
membership of the Baptist churches by him during his minis- 
terial career. 

Dr. Westbrook is well provided for with this world's 




Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 223 

goods, and he is interested in the promotion of both the spirit- 
ual and financial welfare of his people. 

He is a member of the Foreign Mission Board and of the 
National Baptist Convention, corresponding- secretary of the 
Foreign Mission Convention of Oklahoma, and corresponding 
secretary of the Inter-State Press Association of Denomina- 
tional Editors of National Baptist Convention. He was for 
five years president of the Oklahoma State Sunday-School 
Convention. 

Dr. Westbrook is a Greek, Latin, and Hebrew student of 
no mean ability, and he is anxious to extend educational ad- 
vantages to a greater number of the young people of the race. 
as well as to fit them for the practical affairs of every-day life 
along ordinary lines. He is an enthusiast in regard to the 
development of the Afro-American race, and is full of energy 
and earnestness in whatever he undertakes. Through his in- 
fluence there has been marked improvement in the condition 
and standards of the youth of his church. As corresponding 
secretary of the Denominational Press Association, he is ever 
in touch with every department of the work, and occupying 
as he does that responsible position, he has become a com- 
manding figure in the world's^ largest religious body of the 
race to which he belongs. 



224 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



WILLIAM HENRY MOSES, B.D., D.D. 



Farmer and Rail - Splitter — Pastor — Evangelist — Sensational 
Orator — Author of the Life of Christ — A Man in a Class 
by Himself. 



Some characters are so pre-eminently great in their spe- 
cial fields of endeavor that the watchful public natudally turns 

to their ancestry for the 
discovery of the sinews 
leading to their elements 
of greatness. 

William Henry Moses, 
one of the leading pastors 
and writers of the denom- 
ination, has had such a 
thrilling career during the 
many years of his public 
service that it is difficult to 
produce a pen-portrait com- 
mensurate with his origin- 
al endeavors. He was born 
in Charlotte County, Vir- 
ginia, December 31, 1872, 
to Thomas and Sarah 
Moses. William was the 
eldest of four brothers and comes from a very religious stock. 
Mr. Moses was reared by Richard Morton, his grand- 
father, who was the largest and leading land-owner of Char- 
lotte County. Being the favorite of his grandfather, he was 
allowed a liberal use of his extensive library, and the boy rap- 
idly advanced while farming. 

At the early age of fourteen Mr. Moses was performing 
the difficult task of plowing with two horses ; and at fifteen he 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 225 

was able to chop as much wood, maul as many rails and cut as 
much grain as the average man in his prime. During the same 
year he made a profession of religion and joined the Mor- 
rison Grove Baptist Church, Charlotte Court House. So care- 
ful and painstaking was Mr. Moses that at seventeen he was 
made overseer of all hands on his grandfather's plantation and 
received for the same enough money to enable him to enter 
college. 

By hard study Mr. Moses' was able! to enter the Virginia 
Seminary and College at twenty, and by the timely assistance 
of President Gregory W. Hayes, to whom he attributed much 
of his success, remained until he graduated, carrying off the 
honors of his class four years later. And so thoroughly and 
consistently has he imbibed the spirit of Professor Hayes that 
he has been for years considered the ablest graduate that schol- 
ar ever turned out. 

So great was the impression madq by Mr. Moses that he 
was called to the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Staunton, Vir- 
ginia, one month before he graduated. For that old aristo- 
cratic congregation he built during his ten years' pastorate a 
$30,000 house of worship and a fine parsonage. He was called 
to the pastorate of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, which he reluctantly accepted ; and from 
which he was soon called to be field secretary for the Foreign 
Misssion Board at Louisville, Kentucky. As a mission work- 
er, Dr. Moses is said to have excelled any man in the denom- 
ination ; and the amount of money collected for missions in the 
States he visited was larger by far than the combined collec- 
tions of all missionaries in the same district employed for the 
same length of time during the previous year. 

Aside from his pastoral and missionary efforts, Dr. Moses 
has occupied, among other high positions, the office of corre- 
sponding secretary of the Virginia Baptist State Convention; 
editor of the Baptist Statesman; trustee of Virginia Seminary 
and College, of Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina, and 
of Nelson Merry College, Jefferson City, Tennessee. For a 
short time he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of New- 



226 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

berry, South Carolina, and is at present pastor of the First 
Baptist Church at Knoxville, the leading congregation in West 
Tennessee. He succeeded Doctor M. W. Gilbert, now presi- 
dent of Selma (Alabama) University. 

Perhaps the most difficult task of Mr. Moses' brilliant career 
is his latest production, "The Life of Christ." just issued from 
the press. It is an excellent book, well written, and shows the 
depth and magnitude of the writer's scholarship and knowl- 
edge of the sayings and doings of our Saviour. Other lit- 
erary productions are "The Negro Baptist Church," "Sancti- 
fication" and "A Young Man's Vision." 

He is a prolific writer, a hard student, a strong debater 
and an eloquent preacher and pastor. His manner is peculiar- 
ly his own, and in his sensational flights of oratory, mingled 
with mirth, then sarcasm, charged with the dynamic force of 
his own convictions, he is apt to make his opponent feel the 
force of his logic as he sweeps his audience along with him. 

Doctor Moses is married, and Mrs. Moses, cultured and 
matured in judgment, strong and striking in personality, con- 
genial to a fault, active in all departments of church and social 
affairs, is leading a life of usefulness that makes her a worthy 
companion of her distinguished husband. 

The Reverend Doctor Moses is a man of much wealth : 
but he uses it freely in the interest of humanity. He is a will- 
ing contributor to all denominational purposes, and his church, 
following his example, gives freely and largely to every phase 
of Christian service. 

Because of his literary attainments, deep piety and ex- 
perience in things divine, his Alma Mater conferred upon him 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity, May, 1907. And the Na- 
tional Baptist Convention with which he has long been identi- 
fied, looks upon hirri as one of her very able members, whose 
thundering voice has electrified her upon many a public occa- 
sion. Being in the prime of life, full of fire, ambition and 
determination, his usefulness will increase as he reaches the 
zenith of his greatness. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 227 



REVEREND WILLIAM FRANKLIN LOVELACE, D.D. 



Indefatigable Worker — Unselfish Christian — Devoted Son — - 
Influential Pastor — Beloved Teacher and Leader of the 
People. 



The Reverend William Franklin Lovelace was born on 
September 26, 1862, in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, to 

Daniel and Susan Love- 
lace, who -placed their son, 
the eldest of several chil- 
dren, in) the country 
schools as soon as possible 
and kept him there as long 
as their means would al- 
low. The mother had 
taught the child to read 
the Bible, and he , showed 
signs of an unusually 
bright intellect. 

Through h i s mother's 
influence and that of the 
Sunday-school, he learned 
to love his Savior, and in 
his fourteenth year he 
yielded to the sacred truths 
of Scripture and embraced 
a hope in Christ. It was 
not uncommon for him to 
carry fhis Bible in his pocket to the field and read it at inter- 
vals. When he was made a teacher in the Sabbath-school, in 
recognition of his bright mind, he felt the need of an edu- 
cation that he might do more for himself and the race. 




228 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

At this period his parents could do nothing further for 
him, as they had younger children to support. Then the temp- 
tation to go out from home and advance his own interests, 
without offering to assist in the maintenance* of brothers and 
sisters, assailed him. But his unselfish nature predominated 
and he contented himself to remain with his parents, helping 
them to the extent of his means and studying on rainy days 
and by firelight when there was no oil. 

In 1883 he was called to the ministry, and two years later 
reluctantly accepted his first pastorate, and was ordained dur- 
ing the college vacation. The church had about thirty mem- 
bers and no house of worship. But within three years, 
through the indefatigable work of Dr. Lovelace, the congre- 
gation' had increased one hundred, and a comfortable building 
in which to hold{ its services had -been provided. 

In 1887 he became the pastor of the First Church of 
Wynne, Arkansas, a new organization with only seven mem- 
bers. At this time the young man's courage was put to the 
test: churches were calling for him, his time was needed in 
school, and more embarrassing than all{ v he had not a cent to 
pay expenses. 

The previous years in which he had attended Roger Wil- 
liams University, Nashville, Tennessee, had swept from him 
all of his limited means, but his resolution, his fortitude, 
shrewdness^ and courage remained, and his excellent judgment 
and promptness of action had won the confidence of Dr. D. 
W. Phillips, president of that institution; therefore, in 1887, 
help was obtained for him 'and he graduated with honors. 

His career as an educator has been eminently successful. 
In 1888 he was elected principal of the public school at 
Wynne, which position he held until 1894. In 1896 he be- 
came principal of the schools of Stuttgart, Arkansas, where 
he labored faithfully until called to his former position at 
Wynne. 

He founded the Wynne Normal and Industrial Institute 
and operated it until it passed into the control of the North 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 229 

Arkansas Baptist District Association. He is now its efficient 
secretary. 

No sooner had Dr. Lovelace completed his college course 
than he placed his brother Ezekiel in school, and latei 4 he edu- 
cated a sister. 

In March, 1900, he married Miss Mary H. Fisher, a belle 
of the old Tennessee stock. Then he purchased a home and 
started afresh to work for humanity. The degree of D.D. 
was conferred upon him by Guadalupe College. 

Dr. Lovelace has distinguished himself as editor-in-chief 
of the Baptist Vanguard, the State denominational paper, as 
assistant county examiner of teachers, and as principal of 
the Wynne Normal and Industrial Institute. His popularity 
as pastor is evidenced by the words of one of his members 
upon, a notable occasion : 

"We will call him by the name more daring than Luther, 
more illustrous than Morris ; we will call him the founder, 
shepherd and ever-constant preserver of Wynne's First Bap- 
tist Church, our own beloved Lovelace. Long may .he live, 
and may his works bring forth boundless harvest now and 
throughout all eternity." 



230 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 



MRS. ANNIE EULA'WILKINS. 



Preceptress — Church Worker — Secretary Woman's State 
Convention. 



North Carolina is distinguished not only for great men, 
but for great women also. 

Mrs. Annie Eula ■ Wil- 
kins was born February 
5th, 1864, in Middleburg, 
Warren County, North Car- 
olina. Her parents were 
Reverend and Mrs. John 
M. Paschall, who were 
blessed with eleven children- 
At the age of six she en- 
tered the Mount Pleasant 
public school, of which her 
father, an ex-senator of 
North Carolina, was 
teacher. 

She spent five years 'at 
Shaw University, Raleigh, 
North Carolina, where she 
early developed a strong 
missionary spirit and a de- 
sire to work for the Lord. Her congenial nature, coupled 
with the exercise of rare attainments, endeared her to her 
superiors. It was not long before she led her classes and 
became an interesting study for the school. 

In August, 1880, she professed a hope in Christ, united 




Who's Who Among th£ Colored Baptists. 231 

with thef Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, was baptized by the 
Reverend O. Bullock, and at once was appointed teacher in the 
Sunday-school, serving her church well. 

She was ejected teacher in the public schools at Smith- 
field, Johnson County, North Carolina, which position she held 
for five years. 

In June, 1884, she was married to the Reverend Fredricum 
Hillonious Wilkins, of Raleigh, North Caroling who w^s prin- 
cipal of the Washington Graded School of Raleigh; also pas- 
tor of the White Rock Baptist Church of Durham, North Car- 
olina. One child, a daughter, Johanna, was born to bless the 
union. 

Mr. Wilkins was called to the pastorate of the First Bap- 
tist Church, Springfield, Missouri, and the couple gave up 
home anld friends to accept. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins felt 
that the Lord had important work for them. After laboring 
faithfully for five years in Missouri, with excellent results, 
they werili to Texas, to the Bethesda Baptist Church at Mar- 
shall, where they remained for eight years. Mrs. Wilkins was 
ever at her* post of duty in the Sunday-school, the missionary 
society and in other auxiliaries of the church, ready to give a 
helping hand at all times. 

She was appointed by the American Baptist Home Mis- 
sion Society as industrial teacher in Bishop College, Marshall, 
Texas, where she served not quite four years, resigning to 
accompany her husband to his new field of labor at Austin, 
Texas. 

In October, 1900, she was elected teacher in Hearne Acad- 
emy, where she was employed for thn e years as matron, pre- 
ceptress and teacher, going from that institution to Houston, 
Texas, v to fill a similar position in Houston College. 

For the past seven years Mrs. Wilkins has given special 
attention to the dressmaking and millinery art for the school. 
She is a graduate of several schools of millinjery and dress- 
making. 

As secretary of the Women's Auxiliary to the Missionary 



532 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

and Educational Convention of Texas she has accomplished 
much good. Many thousands of dollars have been collected 
and paid to the • different missionary objects since she has been 
identified with this great Christian body- Mrs. Wilkins' pleas- 
ant disposition, yet firm and alert, quick to grasp and recognize 
the manly and womanly qualities of those for whom she so 
faithfully labors, enables her from year to year to execute 
any plan she may foster for the good of her constituents. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 233 



PROFESSOR M. M. RODGERS. 



Educator — Successful Politician — Business Man — Secretary 
State Convention — National Baptist Convention Figure. 



Some men are behind the times; while there are others 
ahead of the times ; then too there are many right along with 

the times. It is to this lat- 
ter class belongs the sub- 
ject now claiming our at- 
tention. His mind is ever 
opened to light and old- 
time dogmas are feasible 
to him only as they apply 
to the greater enlighten- 
ment of the present. 

Alack Matthew Rodgers 
first saw the light of day 
July 13th, 1849, in Whar- 
ton County, Texas, where 
he grew to manhood. He 
is the only surviving child 
of Stephen and Lucinda 
Rodgers. 

In 1878 he married Miss 
Caroline Jackson, and of 
the union were born five daughters and two sons. 

In the fall of 1878 Mr. Rodgers removed to Fayette Coun- 
ty, graduating in 1881, with horrors, from the Prairie View 
State Normal School. In 1887, having located at La Grange, 
he was elected principal of the city school. His career as a 
teacher had commenced at the age of sixteen. 




234 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Mr. Rodgers became interested in politics, and for three 
successive terms — twice from his ward and once from the city 
at large — he was elected alderman of the city of La Grange. 

His political service an|d reputation soon extended over 
the State, and he was elected in 1888, 1892, 1896, 1900, 1904 
and 1912, to the National Republican Convention. In 1897 
he resigned the position of principal of the La Grange city 
school to accept the appointment, under Collector Webster 
Flanagan, of deputy collector of internal revenue for the Third 
District of Texas. He was the first Negro in Texas to hold 
such an office. 

Mr. Rodgers is regarded as a good business man, a deep 
thinker, a close writer, a fearless but conservative debater, a 
sane and safe leader and a smooth but reliable politician. It 
is because of his manly qualities that he is recognized! and re- 
spected by the people of his State. 

He accepted Christ in 1879 and was baptized by Elder 
James Davenport. In religion,, as in politics, he became active 
and manifested a lively interest in! the work of the Church and 
in the development of denominational principles. In 1883 he 
was made secretary of the La Grange Baptist Association — 
a position which he still holds — and in 1889 he became secre- 
tary of the Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention of 
Texas. To both organizations he has given his best thought 
and energies. For the last eighteen years he has striven) to 
systematize the business and improve 'the financial status of the 
Convention and of its institutions of learning. To him, more 
than to any other one person, credit should be given for in- 
corporating the Convention. Its present healthy condition and 
splendid school regulations are also due to his efforts. 

Mr. Rodgers is giving much attention to the affairs of the 
National Baptist Convention, and his opinions are attracting 
the attention not only of that body, but of a host of Baptists 
throughout the country. ■ 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 235 



SAMUEL NATHANIEL VASS, A.B., A.M., D.D. 



Boy School-Teacher — University Professor — Superintendent 
of Colored Work for the American Baptist Publication 
Society — Xoted Biblicist and Lecturer. 



One of the brainiest men that the old "Tar-heel" State has 
ever produced is the subject of this sketch, born May 22, 1866. 

at Raleigh. H i s mother, 
Anna Victoria Yass, w a 3 
a slave; while his father 
was one of the most prom- 
inent white men of Ral- 
eigh, formerly master to 
his mother. 

Young Yass experienced 
a great love for God at a 
very early age and united 
with the Baptist Church. 
He was a brilliant youth 
and graduated, from the 
St. Augustine Normal and 
Collegiate Institute at the 
age of seventeen, and from 
the College Course of 
Shaw University at nine- 
teen, carrying off the class honors, May, 1885. Air. Vass began 
his career as a public school-teacher at the age of fourteen. 
This was done during the summer months, while during the 
fall and winter he applied himself to study in the University. 
He was appointed a teacher at Shaw during his senior year 




236 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

and was elected permanently upon receiving his A.B. degree; 
and for nine years he conltinued to teach at Shaw, holding the 
chair of Latin and Greek; and giving perfect satisfaction! to 
the University management. 

Professor Vass was married to Misis Mary Eliza Hay- 
wood, an accomplished young woman, at the age of eighteen, 
and to the union six lovely children have been born, two of 
whom are living — Dr. Rufus Vasis, a successful physician, of 
Raleigh, N. C, and Mrs. Lillian Vass-Bass. 

At the age of twenty-one the young educator was or- 
dained to the ministry after sustaining a most difficult exam- 
ination before a board of prominent white and colored minis- 
ters in the city of Raleigh. 

In 1892 Mr. Vass was appointed district Sunday-school 
missionary for Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland 
by the American Baptist Publication Society ; and so accept- 
ably did he fill the position that within a short time the So- 
ciety made him general superintendent of all Sunday-school 
work done by that body among Negroes. For twenty-one 
years Doctor Vass has held' that important position, lecturing, 
holding Bible institutes and preaching as occasion presented 
itself. .He has specialized in Bible work, and his lectures with 
the aid of charts and maps drawn by himself ', are intensely in- 
teresting, and the demands made upon his time by pastors and 
others interested in Bible research are greater than he can fill. 
Being thoroughly conversant with Greek and Latin and hav- 
ing a working knowledge of Hebrew, and with twenty-one 
years' experience, he is accepted as one of the most profound 
Bible students in the country. 

Doctor Vass has a unique and unusual individuality, and 
he does a kind of work that can only be done by a born teach- 
er and leader. 

» This distinguished archaeologist and Biblicist has stead- 
fastly refused to put his lectures into book form, feeling that 
such a book should be written later on in his life. He is the 
author, however, of many pamphlets of great value, among 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 237 

them "Consecration," "The Divine Message of the Hour," 
and "The Progress of the Negro." His lecture "The Origin 
and Early History of the Negro Race" is one of the most 
scholarly and profound productions ever given on the subject. 

Professor Vass is an active member of the North Caro- 
lina Baptist State Convention, of the Lott Carey Foreign Mis- 
sion Convention, and of the New England Baptist Conven- 
tion. He is also a member of the National Baptist Conven- 
tion and takes a lively interest in every phase of the work of 
each. For years he was statistician of the latter. 

It was said of Peter the Great of Russia that by a rare 
combination of character anjd endowment he did for the bar- 
barous hordes of northern Europe the work of centuries in 
one short lifetime. So it may be said of Mr. Yass^ that by a 
happy combination of character, learning, common sense, pa- 
tience, faithful endeavor and a magnetic personality, with the 
country as a field, a race as am audience and the Bible as a 
text, he has done more during his public service to arouse 
interest in the study of the Bible than any other Biblicist of 
the race. 



238 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



MISS NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS, AM 



Corresponding Secretary of the IV on* an s National Conven- 
tion — President and Founder IV Oman's Training School 
— Founder Douglass Improvement Company — Gifted 
Orator and Leader. 



Fame is accused of being- a fickle jade, who bestows favors 
sometimes by lucky chance through adventitious circumstances, 

but.more frequently she is 

!Mm ~%k ~ ~~1 c °y anc * nee< ^ s to ° e w ° oe d 

with ardent persistence and 
demonstrations of unques- 
tioned merit. While she 
has been very liberal to- 
ward the subject of our 
sketch, her favors have 
been well earned in th- 
field of faithful endeavor, 
by persistent struggle, tact 
and diplomacy. 

Miss Nannie Helen Bur- 
roughs was born at Cul- 
pepper, Virginia, May 2 
1878, to John and Jennie 
Burroughs, descen d a n t s 
from a sturdy line of car- 
penters and housemaids, 
noted in slavery days for their ability to do things better than 
the ordinary "hands." While an infant Nannie was taken to 
Washington, D. C, where she was reared and educated. And 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 239 

her mother, refined and saintly, delights in the achievements 
of her noted daughter up the ladder of Fame. 

After completing the prescribed course of the grammar 
school, Miss Burroughs was promoted to the high school, 
thence to the normal, graduating from each with honors ; this 
was followed by a course in a business; college in Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

Miss Burroughs organized the first Girls' Literary Society 
of the Washington High School. She is well read and has 
pursued a post-graduate course in English for several years. 
Her contributions to leading newspapers and journals are 
widely appreciated. The degree of A.M. was conferred upon 
her by Eckstein University. 

At the age of fifteen Miss Burroughs was converted. 
Since that time she has been an active member of the Nine- 
teenth Street Baptist Church. She has served as Sunday- 
school-teacher, librarian, and secretary of the Young People's 
Society of Christian Endeavor. 

Miss Burroughs loves her work, which is the best assur- 
ance of success in all that she undertakes. She has occupied 
many positions of trust, having been employed in. the office of 
the Christian Banner as a stenographer and having served as 
stenographer and bookkeeper of the Foreign Mission Board of 
the National Baptist Convention, as well as corresponding sec- 
retary of the Woman's Convention and the Auxiliary Na- 
tional Baptist Convention since 1900. In June, 1908, she was 
elected president of the National Training School for Women 
and Girls, an institution which she had conceived and founded. 
In that capacity her remarkable talents have had greater op- 
portunity for development:, and she has accomplished a vast 
amount of good 

The movement — instituted by her — to counteract the false 
impressions given by the prevalent burlesque pictures of Ne- 
groes on calendars, post-cards, and elsewhere, has been pro- 



240 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ductive of almost unhoped-for results, for the Douglass Im- 
provement Company distributes vast numbers of the only 
Negro calendars in the world. 

Miss Burroughs has traveled throughout America, deliv- 
ering brilliant addresses before audiences of both white and 
colored people. She has attended two world meetings, one in 
London, in 1905. and one in Philadelphia, in 191 1. She was 
a prominent speaker at both gatherings. The London Times, 
commenting on! her speech' at the former meeting, said : 

"Miss Nannie H. Burroughs, who has become one of the 
most distinguished personages of the World Congress, pos- 
sesses rare oratorical gifts." 

And in regard to her address delivered before the Negro 
Congress, the Atlanta Constitution said : 

''The best address delivered at the Young People's Negro 
Congress was that of Miss Nannie H. Burroughs." 

In 1905 the Western Recorder said : 

"Nannie H. Burroughs is the Negro woman who was 
lionized at the World Baptist Congress." 

Miss Burroughs is one of the ablest speakers the race has 
produced. She is fearless and outspoken, forceful, persuasive, 
humorous at times, provoking to mirth and then with ex- 
quisite pathos melting her audience to tears 

As the head of the National Training School she is dem- 
onstrating her executive 'ability and her strong personality 
makes her a moulder of young womanhood. The girls go out 
from the school to do ordinary things in an extraordinary 
manner. In three years ATiss Burroughs has caused the in- 
stitution to increase its holdings from a valuation of $6 000 
to $35,000. It has students from every State in the Union. 

Miss Burroughs' missionary work has not been the least 
of her deeds, an ! d gifts of money, clothing and school supplies 
are contributed by women throughout the United States to be 
sent by her to Africa. She has written tracts and booklets on 
every undertaking in which women are concerned. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 241 

Being a club woman and at the head of the Young 
Woman's Department of the National Association of Colored 
Women's Clubs, Miss Burroughs is leading a life of useful- 
ness calculated to revolutionize the present status of society. 



PROFESSOR CHARLES LEWIS FISHER, 
A.B.. A.M.. D.D. 



Prize-Winner — Class Orator — Professor of Ancient Languages 
— Great Pastor — Safe Leader — Author — Chairman Board 
of University Regents, 



Professor Charles Lewis Fisher was born in Saint Bern- 
ard Parish, Louisiana, July 16. 1866. His father, Alexander 

Fisher, was an ante-bellum 
pre acher, and his mother, 
Elizabeth, was a leader in 
religious matters among 
the women. 

Dr. Fisher finished his 
college course (at Leland 
University, New Orleans, 
Louisiana, in 1884, and 
completed his theological 
course at Morgan Park 
Seminary — now the Divin- 
ity School of Chicago Uni- 
versity — in 1887. He was 
the only Negro orator at 
commencement. In a class, 
of twenty-five, three of 
whom were colored, there 
were only six speakers, of whom one was colored. The priv- 




242 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ilege to speak was determined by scholarship. He received 
the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity from 
his Alma Mater — Leland University, in the years 1890 and 
1910. The latter degree has been conferred upon him by 
two other schools, Natchez College, Mississippi, and Guada- 
lupe College, Texas. 

In 1893 Dr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Rosa 
J. Richardson, of Alabama. He was converted in January, 
1875, and at the early age of fifteen years he knew that the 
Lord had called him to prepare for the ministry. 

Dr. Fisher has served as pastor of the following churches : 
Mount Zion Church, at Little Rock, Arkansas ; Tabernacle 
Church, Selma, and Bethlehem Church, Gallian, Alabama; 
Mount Helm Church, Jackson, Mississippi; Sixteenth Street 
Baptist Church and Jackson Street Baptist Church, Birming- 
ham, Alabama. > 

In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Fisher successfully 
taught at Selma University as professor of languages. He 
is now chairman of the Board of Trustees of Selma Uni- 
versity, which position he/ has filled most creditably for fifteen 
years. For six years he has been moderator of Mount Pil- 
grim Association — the largest in the State of Alabama. 

As editor of Sparks, a magazine devoted to the material, 
mental and moral uplift of all the people, Dr. Fisher has found 
the means of reaching a vast audience, which is greatly bene- 
fited by his teachings. The influence of the press cannot be 
overestimated. The admonitions of a public speaker may be 
heeded as long as the impression made upon the mind of the 
listeners remains clear; but the printed article appeals to the 
eye as well as the brain — its ideas are absorbed slowly, and 
for that reason they entrench themselves firmly in the thoughts 
of the reader. However, Dr. Fisher's unusual talent as an 
orator must not be overlooked, for he is forcible, eloquent 
and polished in language, wielding a mighty power over his 
audience. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 243, 

Through his owns industry he has accumulated a compe- 
tence, so that he is enabled to live in comfort while devoting 
himself to the causte of humanity. Dr. Fisher has been act- 
uated throughout his career by the highest and best of motives 
— by motives that have made his success an established fact. 

As a minister Doctor Fisher occupies a foremost place in 
the profession, distinguished for analytical precision in the 
preparation of sermons, quick perception and pleasing address. 



244 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



PROFESSOR ALBERT W. PBGUBS, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. 



Parmer — Valedictorian — Missionary — University Pean— Su- 
pervisor of State School for Deaf and Blind — Presides 
Over 200,000 Baptists — Commencement Orator — Emi- 
nent Scholar and a Man of Great Force of Character. 



Aspiration is the spur that urges a studious lad on to 
glory; and when it develops early in life, the world sees a 

young man occupying a 
position ordinarily gained 
only after many years' 
preparation. "The race for 
fame and fortune is over 
a rough road, and many 
fall by the wayside, faint 
and heartsick, because of 
the least resistance. But 
only he of iron will and 
steady nerve wins the lau- 
rel; and when it is won 
honestly and justly, the 
plaudits of the multitude 
are loud and hearty." 

In looking over the roll 
of great men who have 
moulded character and 
rounded the lives of many 
who are now occupying positions of trust in the world 
of progress, the name of Albert W. Pegues is found well- 
nigh at the top of the list. Born near Cheraw, South Car- 
olina, in November, 1859, Mr. Pegues early entered a school 
at Cheraw, taught by Mr. H. L. Shrewsbury, who was em- 
ployed by the Freedman's Aid Society. The institution ran 




Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 245 

ten months during the year, and Mr. Pegues managed to remain 
in it for two consecutive years, when poverty drove him to the 
farm. His two years of study had so sharpened his appetite 
for knowledge that he read all the newspapers, books and 
magazines he could find; he eventually entered night school, 
and so determined was he to receive an education that he 
walked at times more than two miles to the same. 

Having saved of his earnings some $200, the young man 
entered Benedict Institute, now Benedict College, Columbia, 
South Carolina, in the fall of 1876. He was converted and 
baptized during the summer of the following year, and in the 
fall of the same year entered the school with the ministry in 
view. In the fall of 1878 Mr. Pegues entered Richmond (Vir- 
ginia) Institute, now Union University. By hard study he 
graduated as valedictorian of his class in May, 1882. After 
spending some time as district missionary under the auspices 
of the Missionary Baptist Convention of his native State, Mr. 
Pegues, in September, 1882, matriculated in Bucknell Uni- 
versity, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. For four years he held his 
own in a class of twenty-four members, standing third. In 
addition to his A.B. course at Bucknell, he specialized in psy- 
chology and ethics under President David J. Hill. Just be- 
fore leaving Bucknell he was appointed principal of Sumner 
High School, Parkersburg, West Virginia. After remaining 
at Parkersburg for one year, Mr. Pegues was elected as dean 
of the College Department of Shaw University, which he occu- 
pied for seven consecutive years. While at Shaw University 
he raised the standard of his department, making the courses 
conform to those of the most advanced colleges. 

Professor Pegues resigned the position as dean at Shaw 
University to accept the supervisorship of the State School for 
the Deaf and Blind at Raleigh, North Carolina, in the summer 
of 1902, only to be recalled to Shaw University three years 
later, to take charge of the Department of Theology, which 
position he retained for eleven years and whch he considers 
the most fruitful of hisi career; and some of the leading pas- 
tors of the Church were trained at Shaw University by Pro- 



246 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

fessor Pegues, and they honor and revere him for the services 
he rendered. 

Notwithstanding his exacting duties, Mr. Pegues has 
found time to take special studies at the University of Chicago 
and has been honored with the degree of Ph.D. jTwenty years 
ago he published a book, "Our Ministers and Schools," which 
was widely circulated. In recognition of his brilliant career, 
Shaw University in 1903 conferred upon him the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity. He is constantly called upon to address 
colleges and universities upon the leading topics of the day; 
and no member of the race is more conversant with education- 
al subjects than he. He is one of v the most highly educated 
men of the country, and his selection by Bucknell University 
to deliver the master's oration, 1889, wasf a timely recogni- 
tion of the breadth of his scholarship. 

Professor Pegues is well known to Baptist organizations, 
and for the past twenty-five years he has been active in the 
North Carolina Baptist Convention, of which he is now presi- 
dent; and for fifteen years he has served as corresponding- 
secretary of the Sunday-School Convention, one of the most 
efficient bodies of its kind in the country as well as in the "Tar- 
heel" State. He is also recording secretary of the Lott Carey 
District Convention. In addition to these, Mr. Pegues is 
closely identified with several local industrial and financial 
institutions. I 

In 1890 Mr. Pegues was married to Miss Ella Christian, 
of Richmond, Virginia, an accomplished young woman, who 
has assisted him greatly up the ladder of Fame. Professor 
Pegues' prosperity is due to ^the strong moral influence exerted 
over him by his faithful mother during childhood, and to his 
quick recognition and acceptance of the opportunities which 
beckoned him. And he has not been satisfied to put his talents 
away in a napkin, nor his light under a bushel ; instead, he has 
used them throughout his public career to bless humanity. 
"Greater love hath no man than that he will lay down his life 
for his brethren." 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 247 



W. H. FULLER, A.M. 



Recording Secretary of the Missionary Baptist General Con- 
vention — Secretary of the Educational Board — Great Ex- 
ecutive Officer — Pleasing Speaker. 




Mr. W. H. Fuller, A.M., is a national figure among Afro- 
Americans. He was born near Troy, Alabama, March 8, 

1874. He went to Texas 
in December, 1889, and 
located at Cameron, where 
he was converted in 1895 
and baptized by the late 
Rev. Peter Diggs. He be- 
gan at once to take an act- 
ive part in church work 
and was soon chosen a dea- 
con. His influence widened 
rapidly and in 1902 he was 
elected recording secretary 
of the Missionary General 
Convention, holding that 
office for eight consecutive 
years, resigning to accept 
the position of financial 
secretary of the Education- 
al Board. 

As a leader his slogan 
has ever been, ''Enlighten- 
ment for the masses/' and how well he has accomplished his 
aim is illustrated by the unusual success that has, attended- his 
efforts in his department. He inaugurated a State-wide fin- 



248 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ancial campaign by letters and newspapers, and was rewarded 
witli 80 cents for the first year ;. the second year he collected 
$24; the third year $88; and during the first three months 
of 1912 the receipts for the schools of the General Convention 
(Guadalupe College, Seguin; Central Texas College, Waco; 
and Boyd's Institute, Oakwood) amounted to $15,821.97. 

Mr. Fuller is a man of perseverance and determination. 
And it is through the exertions of such men — men of great 
strength of character, education and financial ability — that our 
churches and schools are built and maintained. He is a mem- 
ber of the National Baptist Convention, takes an active part in 
its meetings, and was one of the strong men who succeeded in 
capturing the 1912 session of that grand organization for 
Houston, Texas. 

It is said that the soldier plucks glory from the red can- 
non's mouth, the statesman wins fame by his forensic elo- 
quence, and the artisan receives praise for the superior quality 
of his work. And it is to this; latter class that the young and 
gallant educator of Austin belongs. Being- in the prime ot 
life, full of vigor and push, Mr. Fuller is likely to occupy a 
more commanding position in the uplift of the race. 



Who 's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. . 249 



MRS. T. A. CASTLE. 



Founder of Rescue Home — Missionary — Indefatigable Work- 
er — Woman of High Ideals and Great Influence. 



One of the very representative women of Texas is Mrs. 
T. A. Castle, of Bryan. She is well known in the State as an 

apostle of temperance and 
a lecturer of ability. She 
has been for a number of 
years closely identified 
with the missionary and 
educational work of the 
Baptists. Her addresses 
before Sunday-school and 
State conventions have 
been quite thoughtful, and 
she has been received with 
open arms wherever she 
has gone. She is a woman 
of culture and refinement 
and her striking personal- 
ity, reinforced with an 
abiding faith in God, has 
given her a commanding 
place in the hearts of her 
people. 

Perhaps the greatest 
single achievement of Mrs. Castle's life has been the success- 
ful founding of the Rescue Home at Bryan, Texas, an insti- 
tution that is intended for fallen girls; and the one hundred 
and twenty-six young inmates of that institution, some of 




250 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

whom are now living upright lives, well attest the wisdom of 
its founder and the need of the school. Six thousand dollars 
have been raised and judiciously expended on an eleven-acre 
tract with a nine-room residence. No greater monument 
could be erected to the memory of a faithful servant than 
such an institution. And may the good that Mrs. Castle is 
doing for fallen girls be emulated by others untir every un- 
fortunate is housed in an asylum of a similar character. 

" 'Tis hers to soothe the ills below 

And bid life's fairer views appear." — Crabbe. 

Aside from her special mission in the rescue line, Mrs. 
Castle finds time to do active church work; and her services 
to the Baptist conventions of the State are recognized and 
highly appreciated by the members. Her mind being opened 
to light and as one to whom old-time dogmas are feasible only 
as they apply to the greater progress and enlightenment of the 
present, she inspires all who are so fortunate as to come with- 
in the sphere of her influence. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 251 



WILLIAM THOMAS JOHNSON, B.D., D.D. 



A Man from the Ranks— School-Teacher — Minister — Presi- 
dent of Friends' Orphan Asylum — Chairman Lott Carey 
Foreign Mission Board — Secretary Educational Board, 
General Association — Field Secretary United Society of 
Christian Endeavor. 



The Reverend William Thomas Johnson, pastor of the 
First Baptist Church. Richmond. Virginia, is a man of un- 
usual ability, having risen 
to fame by hard knocks 
and heavy blows, almost 
single-handed and alone. 
His parents. Henry and 
Catherine Johnson, who 
were amrng the poorest of 
the Christian people of 
South Richmond, saw in 
their son the promise of a 
great man and made every 
effort to give him a good 
education. July 10. 1866, 
William Thomas Johnson 
was ushered into the 
world. Obedient and kind, 
he grew up well liked by 
his neighbors and encour- 
aged by his teachers, who 
took much interest in him because of his good disposition and 
his insatiable thirst for knowledge. 




252 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Mr. Johnson graduated from the public schools of South 
Richmond at an early age, sustained a rigid examination and 
began teaching in the public schools of the county, withrevery 
prospect of success. After seven years* experience in that pro- 
fession, he professed a hope irt Christ, felt called to the min- 
istry, and resigned as teacher to prepare himself for his new 
calling. 1 

He entered the Richmond Institute and completed the 
course just as that institution became the Richmond Theological 
Seminary, since changed to the Union University. Mr. John- 
son, who was in the Seminary at the time the writer was a stu- 
dent in) the department of Greek and Hebrew, was considered 
one of the best pupils in the school ; and no student bore a bet- 
ter reputation or applied himself more closely to hisi studies 
and other duties than he. He was not afraid of hard work and 
rejoiced in the fact that he was poor. He was a close observer 
ofl men and a constant reader of the lives of great characters. 
In 1893 he graduated at the head of his class, taking- the degree 
of Bachelor of Divinity. 

Mr. Johnson has had wide experience as a minister and is 
a leader among men. While in the Seminary he pastored the 
Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Chesterfield. Immediately after 
graduating he accepted a call to the First Baptist Church. 
Lexington, Virginia. While at Lexington he was instrumental 
inj erecting a fine house of worship, bringing the membership 
up to a high degree of efficiency. 

Eleven years ago he was called to the historic First Bap- 
tist Church of Richmond, Virginia, which he still pastors with 
signal success. This church has had five thousand members, 
one of the largest and most influential in v the South. 

Aside from his ministerial offices, the Rev. Johnson has 
been honored by national and international organizations. He 
is president of the Friends' Orphan Asylum, treasurer of the 
Negro Baptist Old Folks' Home, chairman of the Lott Carey 
Foreign Mission Board, secretary of the Educational Board of 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 253 

the Virginia Baptist Association, and trustee and field secre- 
tary of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, 

In 1905 Rev. Johnson was sent as a delegate to the World 
Baptist Alliance, London, and while abroad visited many of 
the historic points of Continental Europe, thus broadening his 
vision of the world and obtaining an tducation received only 
in the school of extensive travel. 

The pen of Mr. Johnson is kept busy; and the vigorous 
manner in which his editorials for the First Baptist Church 
Journal are written, as well as pungent articles for many secu- 
lar and religious daily and weekly papers, has excited wide 
comment throughout the Nation. 

In appreciation) of his ability, the Un'ion University of 
Richmond, Virginia, in 1903, conferred upon him the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity; and he wears the honor with becoming 
dignity. 

If success be measured by prosperity, Dr. Johnson has 
earned it; if success be counted by a vast number of loyal 
friends, Mr. Johnson has them; if success requires integrity, 
capability, generosity and foresight, he has them all and is a 
brilliant example of what they achieve. 

Dr. Johnson was married several years ago and owns a 
beautiful home at No. no West Leigh Street, Richmond. His 
wife is a graduate of Hartshorn Memorial College, and is a 
constant source of comfort and assistance to him in the execu- 
tion of his work. 

Being a man of great force of character, an orator, writer, 
financier, an able evangelist, who is courageous, yet judicious, 
Dr. Johnson may be depended upon to succeed in whatever he 
undertakes. 



254 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



RBVBRBND I. M. HEN DON. 



W ell-Known Minister — Secretary General Baptist Convention 
— Chairman Church Extension Board. 



The Reverend I. M. Hendon, one of the representative 
men of the General Baptist Convention of Texas, was born at 

Wharton, Texas, January 
27, 1871, to vSusan and A. 
D. Hendon. The father 
was for eighteen years 
sheriff and county com- 
missioner, and was well 
known as an honorable 
and faithful citizen of the 
community. 

Being aware of the fact 
that a man becomes suc- 
cessful and truly great only 
in proportion to the good 
service which he renders, 
Mr. Hendon resolved to 
prepare himself thoroughly for his chosen profession. After 
leaving the public schools, he entered Leland University, New 
Orleans, Louisiana, where he remained two years. In 1896 
he became a student at Iowa; Christian College, and remained 
in that institution until the entire course in theology was com- 
pleted to the satisfaction of the faculty. 

Mr. Hendon, who was converted in 1889, felt called to 
the ministry as early as 1893. an d his ministerial career- began 
at that time. He has served faithfully and well some of the 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 255 

best pastorates in the State. Among them ■ Mount Zion, Or- 
ange; Live Oak. Beaumont; and Calvary Tabernacle, Paris; 

the last named he still pastors. 

For fourteen years he was secretary of the General) Bap- 
tist State Convention of Texas, being relieved of that respon- 
sible position in order that he might give his time anjd expe- 
rience exclusively to the executive work of the Church Ex- 
tension Board. In this capacity lie has exhibited great 
ability and has brought that department of church work for- 
ward in a manner that reflects credit upon both himself and his 
board as well as the entire connection. 

The Reverend Hendon. who is still on the youthful side 
of life, is capable of doing much in the way of assistance to 
the rising generation; and the rising generation looks to such 
pastors as he for those noble traits of manhood which stimu- 
late and inspire others to attempt that which will redound to 
the lasting benefit of Afro-American's everywhere. 



256 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 



REVEREND W. H. JOHNSON, D.D. 



Popular Pastor — Well-Known Evangelist. 



The Reverend W. H. Johnson was born at Marshall, 
Texas, in 1874, to Frank and Ellen Johnson. He first at- 
tended the common schools 
of Tyler, Texas, but feel- 
ing the need of higher edu- 
cation, he afterward en- 
tered Bishop College, at 
Marshall, Texas, where he 
remained four years. At 
a later day, desiring the 
benefits of a post-graduate 
course, he took special 
studies by correspondence 
at P r i nceton University, 
Indiana. 

Dr. Johnson was con- 
averted at the age of thir- 
teen years and united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 
Tyler, Texas. Believing that he was called to preach the 
gospel, he turned his attention to preparation for ministerial 
work, and in' 1900, when he was twenty-five 1 years of age, he 
was ordained, after which he officiated as pastor of four dif- 
ferent churches. At present he is in charge of County Line 
Baptist Church, at Chandler. Eleven hundred persons have 
been converted under Dr. Johnson's preaching, five hundred 
of whom he baptized. He is president of the Friendship Dis- 
trict Sunday-School Convention, which organization has ac- 
complished great results^ 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 257 

Dr. Johnson is married and has one son. The home life 
of the family is a powerful factor, contributing largely to the 
success of the husband and father in his labors among his 
congregation. 

Dr. Johnson is not unknown as an evangelist, having 
been much in demand as a public speaker during religious re- 
vivals. He is well liked by both the white and colored resi- 
dents of the community in which he lives. 






258 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 



MRS, JOSIB B. HALL. 



Successful Teacher — Devout Christian — Brilliant Writer- 
Devoted Wife and Mother. 



Mrs. Josie B. Hall, the well-known writer, was born in 
Waxahachie, Texas, on September 17th, 1869, to Tennie and 

Henry Briggs, who were 
representative colored peo- 
ple, both industrious and 
pious. When eleven years 
of age Josie was left an 
orphan, under the loving 
care of a kind sister. 

At twelve years of age 
Miss Briggs demonstrated 
that she was possessed of 
unusual energy and ability, 
for she began her career 
as a teacher at that time, 
proving both faithful and 
capable. She was kind, 
courteous, modest and 
virtuous. 

She was converted at 
Bishop College, Marshall, 
Texas, in 1886. At sixteen she taught in the public schools 
of Canaan, Texas. It was during her residence there that 
she was united in marriage to Professor J. P. Hall, one of 
the leading teachers of Mississippi. 

Five children have been born to Professor and Mrs. Hall, 
and the parents are bringing them up in the light of modern re- 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 259 

ligious and educational influences. There is no doubt but that 
they will carry on the good work commenced by the father 
and mother, and that the race will reap the benefits of their 
mental and moral training and the sound principles inculcated 
by Mrs. Hall. 

Mrs. Hall's book, "Moral and Mental Capsule for the Eco- 
nomic and Domestic Life of the Negro as a Solution of the 
Race Problem," has had a wide circulation. It has been read 
with interest by thousands of people — both white and colored 
— who have attempted to solve the so-called race problem. 
And without a dissenting voice those who have had the privi- 
lege of giving the book a thorough perusal have acknowledged 
that its author has dealt with her subject in a masterly way; 
that she has expressed her ideas in simple language, which 
may be easily understood by all classes of people ; that she has 
presented her thoughts so clearly that they must of necessity 
be grasped by those for whom they were intended. Mrs. Hall 
is gifted as a poet, and some of the gems that appear in her 
book are well worth repeating. The lines called "Sunday" 
are perfect in rhyme and rhythm, and their sentiment is beauti- 
ful. What could be more restful than this? 

"The day is calm and cool and still. 
The fleecy clouds are drifting slow, 
The morning zephyrs gently blow ; 
I hear the cricket sharply shrill, 
Peace, good-will; peace, good-will." 

Or more! uplifting than this prayer? 

"O God, the God of truth and love, 

Send down more blessings from above; 

Grant that I may be more like Thee, 
<And that my heart may purer be !' 

O God., my refuge and my light, 

To do Thy will is my delight ; 



26o Whc^s Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

But when temptation fires my heart 
I often from Thy ways depart. 
But, Heavenly Father, hear my prayer; 
Remove Thou every cloud and care, 
And hide me, O my Savior, hide, 
Where I can safe in Thee abide ! 
Help me to faithful be, and meek, 
And make me strong where; I am weak. 
Teach me, O Lord, how I should pray, 
' And how to walk the narrow way." 

While men in all conditions of life are endeavoring with 
mighty efforts ten solve the problems which are of vital import- 
ance* to the Negro race, Mrs. Hall, quietly and without osten- 
tation, has prescribed the proper remedy. Her noble efforts 
for the moral betterment of the young have borne rich fruit, 
although at t'imes the result of her labor may have seemed to 
be meager in proportion to the effort put forth. Her inspir- 
ing words will live and continue to help those who need assist- 
ance long after the author has been called to her reward. 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 261 



P. H. HUGHES, D.D. 



Evangelist — Successful Pastor. 



"Nothing- succeeds like success" is well illustrated in the 
career of the subject of this sketch. 

■P. H. Hughes was born at Fluvania, Virginia, on August 
4th, 1862, to John and Mildred Hughes. After finishing the 
course prescribed in the public schools of his county, he at- 
tended Bluefield Seminary, West Virginia. He also studied 
privately under Doctors Fisher and Boothe, of Birmingham, 
Alabama.. 

As pastor Dr. Hughes has occupied the pulpit of Mount 
Moriah Baptist Church, Birmingham ; of the First Baptist 
Church, at Pueblo, Colorado ; and his present charge in Mex- 
ico, Missouri. 

His conversion and baptism occurred when he was nine- 
teen years of age. Guadalupe College, in recognition of his 
services, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
in 1905. 

Like many strong- Afro-American ministers, Dr. Hughes 
has shown unusual financial ability. He has been a success- 
ful church-builder. As a public speaker he is pointed and 
entertaining-. His judgment is excellent, and he is considered 
a safe, sane leader of the people, with sufficient caution to 
warrant their confidence, and yet having plenty of fire and 
enthusiasm. 

The Southwest is opening up a wonderful field for relig- 
ious and educational work, and Dr. Hughes, seeing the need 
of laborers in that new vineyard of the Lord, gave up the re- 
finements of life in an old thickly settled State to cast his lot 



262 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

with other pioneers who have the good of the race at heart. 
His unselfish devotion has been amply rewarded and his in- 
fluence has been extended over a much larger territory than 
formerly. He studies the problems that come before him 
thoroughly and conscientiously, and after he has decided upon 
the proper course to take, he pursues that line diligently, 
thereby securing the best of results. 

Dr. Hughes is in the front rank of those who minister 
faithfully to the needs of the race. 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 263 



RBVBRBND A. M. JOHNSON, D.D. 



Pioneer Minister — Leader of Thought — General Missionary. 



The Reverenjd A. M. Johnson, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Yazoo County, Mississippi, October 18th, 1863. 
He was reared eight miles from Yazoo City, and attended the 
public schools, graduating from the same, after which he spent 
three years and six months in Walden University, at Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. He was converted and united with the Issa- 
quama Baptist Church in September, 1880, while the Reverend 
P. Barnes was pastor. 

Dr. Johnson was licensed to preach the gospel in April, 
1881, and was ordained in August, 1881. Although his life 
had long been consecrated to the Master's service, his highest 
usefulness began with his entrance* into the ministry. He be- 
came general missionary for the Baptist Convention of Mis- 
sissippi, which office he filled most creditably for four years, 
after which he was made educational secretary, holding the 
position for six years. While serving in that capacity he was 
elected president of the General Baptist Convention and has 
served as executive head of that body for the past ten years. 
He is a graceful presiding officer and his impartial decisions 
and striking personality have made him quite popular. 

Dr. Johnson; was married in February, 1882, to Miss 
Clarissa Fridge. The union has been blessed by the birth of 
ten children, four boys and six girls. The eldest boy now liv- 
ing is a carpenter, and the youngest is in the tailoring business. 
The eldest daughter was for three years a teacher in Natchez 
College. She is at present teaching in the city schools of 
Vicksburg, Mississippi. Another daughter has entered the 
Training School for Girls at Washington, D. C. She is under 
the care of Miss Nannie Burroughs. 



264 Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptists. 

Dr. Johnson is deeply interested in the welfare of young 
people, and he has proved to be a source of inspiration to 
them, aiding and encouraging those who needed assistance. 

\It is a difficult matter in this age of the world to arouse 
youthful; enthusiasm in church work, but Dr. Johnson! is emi- 
nently successful in that respect, and during the period in 
which he has been identified with the church as a pastor his 
influence has not waned. On the contrary, it has grown 
stronger with years, until his name is known and honored far 
beyonjd the confines of his own State. 

He has sympathized with, admonished and commended 
his people, always taking advantage of every . opportunity to 
help in the development of the Afro-American, race. 

Dr. Johnson's high moral character, his sincerity, his 
earnestness and power as a speaker and his broad and sympa- 
thetic views upon all subjects have endeared him to those who 
have had the good fortune to come within the circle of his 
acquaintance. 

Undaunted by obstacles, he has gone forward faithfully 
with reforms and improvements, trusting implicitly in Him 
who said: "Lo, I am with you always, even] to the end of 
the world." And he has not trusted in vain, for the results 
of his efforts are to be found throughout the State of 
Mississippi. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 265 



RBVBREND D. B. OVBR, D.D. 



Model Pastor — Strong Temperance Advocate — Good Mixer 
— Bxcellent Financier. 



The Reverend D. E. Over, of Denver, Colorado, is noted 
for his strong personality and ability to bring things to pass. 

He was born at Topeka, 
Kansas, June 10, 1873, to 
David and Eliza Over, who 
migrated West after eman- 
cipation. 

After graduating from 
the public schools of his 
native city he attended Ot- 
tawa ,University, special- 
izing in English and in sub- 
jects closely connected with 
theology. He also took a 
special. course in the Iliff School of Theology. 

Dr. Over filled the pastorate of the Third Baptist Church 
at Garnett, Kansas, while pursuing his studies at the University, 
after which he was called to the Eighth Street Baptist Church 
at Pueblo, Colorado, where he erected a fine church edifice. 
In 1909 he accepted a call to Zion Baptist Church, at Denver, 
Colorado. Zion Church is the leading colored church in the 
State. Within eighteen months he canceled a mortgage of 
$5,000 and purchased the fine Calvary Baptist Church building 
from the white people. It is one of the handsomest structures 
of the kind in Colorado. 

During the pastorate of Dr. Over the church membership 




266 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

has increased amazingly. In the first six months of 1912 he 
baptizedi about one hundred persons. v 

Dr. Over is devoted to the cause of temperance. He has 
delivered a large number of lectures on the subject and 
through his influence many persons have been| saved from 
lives of debauchery. He is an advocate of law-enforcement 
and can! always be depended upon to work earnestly and effi- 
ciently for the reclamation of those who are addicted to in- 
temperance, as well as to use every means of throwing safe- 
guards around the younjg, that they may be protected and pre- 
vented from forming the liquor habit. 

Dr. Over is a great favorite socially. He is a good mix- 
er, and has a happy faculty of saying and doing the right thing 
at the right time and place. He has promoted harmony, and 
made of the church a Social center, where the people meet 
regularly, thus binding the members by both religious and so- 
cial ties to their denomination, and encouraging them to un- 
dertake further work for the Master. 

Dr. Over is still a young man and undoubtedly has a bril- 
liant and useful future, in which he will make his mark and 
leave an impression upon his time and upon the Afro-Ameri- 
caiy race. 

Mrs. Over, formerly Miss Garner, of Kansas City, Kan»- 
sas, is active in church work and is responsible to a large ex- 
tent for the commendable career of her fearless husband. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 267 



EDWARD DONAHUE PIERSON, BS. 



Farmer — School-Teacher — Distinguished Mason and U. B. F. 
— Secretary of Many State Organisations — Treasurer of 
a Rich Lodge — Prominent Church Man — A Man of 
Means and Influence. . 



Texas is proud of Edward Donahue Pierson, one of her 
most gifted and enterprising citizens. Mr. Pierson was born 

December 27, 1872, in 
Natchitoches Parish, Lou- 
isiana; his mother was a 
slave and a Baptist, while 
his father was a Creole 
and a Catholic. Mr. Pier- 
son early joined the church 
of his mother's choice and 
entered vigorously upon 
religious work, after being 
baptized by the Rev. Peter 
Martin. 

H i s support in school 
was a widowed mother, 
whose only resources were 
a. large supply of poverty, 
much faith in God, and 
what she could earn from 
day to day as a hireling. 
Edward soon completed the common school branches, such 
as were taught in the irregular country schools of the 
State. To accomplish this, he had to use books borrowed 
from his more fortunate classmates, as his mother was too 




268 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. , 

poor to purchase them. Finding that he knew about as 
much as his incompetent teachers, and that he was needed onl 
the farm to assist his mother, he left the school, leased land 
from his cousin, Leonard Prudhomme, and a rich planter, 
Richard 1 Williams. Prosperity crowned his efforts, and in the 
eighteenth year of his age he was employing several families 
on his farm and making six bales of cotton to every employee 
and corn in proportion. 

But Mr. Pierson was intended for a broader field of use- 
fulness. So one day in the fall an excursion left his home for 
Marshall, Texas, and the young man got aboard. Incidental- 
ly, while making his rounds through the city, he visited Bishop 
College and became infatuated with it ; he returned home and 
prepared for the disposal of all his farm implements and cattle, 
save his famous steed Dexter, which he later sold because of 
insufficient means to take the owner through school'. He 
matriculated in Bishop on January 5, 1892, and by strict econ- 
omy and through the generous aid of President Wolverton, 
he was able to remain in school, completing the entire thirteen 
years' work in seven and graduating at the head of his class 
with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences, May, 1904. While 
at Bishop College, Mr. Pierson learn|ed the printers' trade, 
which has served him well in his newspaper and general print- 
ing business. 

The high esteem in which this daring, young man is held 
is well illustrated by the numerous responsible positions to 
which he has been called. No young man of the race has oc- 
cupied so many responsible positions in so short a public 
career. His State looks upon him as one of the brainiest men 
of the present day and hais frequently called upon him to hold 
normal schools for the training of teachers in the public insti- 
tutions. Mr. Pierson has been grand secretary of the Maisons 
of Texas; principal of Pittsburg city schools; principal of 
Houston College, under President D. A. Scott; secretary of 
the Superintendents' Division of the State Sunday-school Con- 
vention ; secretary of State B. Y. P. U. Convention ; treasurer 



Who's Who Among the Cowred Baptists. 269 

of the St. James lodge of U. B. F.s ; managing editor of the 
Western Star; manager of Western Star Publishing Company ; 
and now a teacher in the city high school. He is secretary of 
the Texas Business Men's League, in which capacity he has 
been instrumental in bringing together large Negro enterprises, 
thus enabling them to enjoy a commercial standing hitherto 
unknown. 

Mr. Pierson owns much real estate in the city of Houston 
and elsewhere in Texas. The Western Star Publishing Com- 
pany, in which he is a heavy stockholder, attests his ability as 
financier and stands as a monument to the wise and faithful 
efforts of the young man. The company does a handsome 
printing business, and the quality of the work done in its 
$5,000 plant compares favorably with that of any printing out- 
fit in Texas. j 

In 1896 Mr. Pierson married Miss Mae Dee Hardy, of 
Cofreeville, Texas, and after four years of happy union she 
died. He later married Miss Lizzie Lee Spears, an alumna 
of Allen University and a native of Sumter, S. C. To this 
union three bright children have been born; all are now in 
school, and two of them, Eulalia Viola (aged fifteen) and 
Theodore D. (aged thirteen), are students in the high school. 

Unlike the average young man, Mr. Pierson seeks the 
hard and difficult things of life as stepping-stones to the higher. 
Success has followed in whatever he has engaged; and if 
pluck, tact, square dealings and what nbt are elements of great- 
ness, he is really great. As deacon in Antioch Baptist Church, 
Houston, and as managing editor of the Western Star, the 
eight-page, seven-column organ of thousands of Baptists in 
the Lone Star State, Professor Pierson, young and brilliant, 
fearless yet congenial, is making for himself a record in the 
religious, business and literary world worthy a page in the 
history of ariy race. 



270 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



T. H. BWING, M.D. 



Tramp — Farmer — Medical Student — Original Thinker — Prop- 
erty-Owner — Church-Builder — Great Pastor — Progressive 
Citizen. 



The Reverend T. H. Ewing, the progressive pastor of the 
Vine Street Baptist) Church, Kansas City, Missouri, is a man 

who thinks and acts accord-* 
ing to the dictates of his 
own mind. He is peculiar 
in his own way, but when 
he is understood, one must 
admire him. He is a man 
who has risen to distinc- 
tion unaided, except by the 
hard knocks he has re- 
ceived from those who 
tried to keep him down. 
Born in Kentucky, just be- 
fore the breaking out of 
the Civil War, he was 
reared on a farm, where he worked hard to support himself 
and render such assistance to his' aged mother as was possible 
under the circumstances. Mr. Ewing had heard much of the 
West and its great possibilities. But he was without means 
to make the trip. Finally he resolved to walk the distance. 
Young and full of determination, Mr. Ewing set out from 
Paducah, and by gradual stages made the trip within a few 
months. He reached Kansas City, without a dime in his pock- 




Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 271 

et, and had it not been for the kind assistance of a friendly 
hand, he would have gone hungry. He made it to Leaven- 
worth, and thence to Nebraska, where he found work, and 
work he did. He applied himself to study during the hours 
he was not employed and by such means advanced rapidly. 
He entered a medical college of Nebraska and graduated with 
honor, and for several years practiced his profession with suc- 
cess. He pastored the Baptist church of Lincoln, resigning! to 
accept a call' to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, where he built a strong church, and remained 
with it for years. He became one of the town's best citizens. 

Doctor Ewing was called from Leavenworth to take 
charge of the Vine Street Baptist Church, Kansas City, Mis- 
souri, about fifteen years ago. At the time the membership 
was divided into as many factions as there were members, and 
the property, then near Nineteenth and Tracy, was so heavily 
encumbered that it was , threatened with foreclosure of mort- 
gage. But Mr. Ewing gallantly set to work to disentangle its 
obligations. He purchased a piece of property at 1825 Vine 
Street, paid for it and began the erection of the present fine 
edifice. Since coming to Kansas City he has paid for the pres- 
ent property, erected a large auditorium annex, adaptable to 
church extension work, and has given the congregation a 
decided improvement in spiritual, moral and industrial uplift. 
The congregation is large and fluorishing, and the property of 
the church is valued at $25,000. 

The Reverend Mr. Ewing owns considerable property, 
and is probably the wealthiest colored Baptist minister in the 
entire West. j i 

He is a strong preacher, quite frank in his remarks, but 
only does so to drive home with telling effect his arguments. 
He likes debates and frequently engages his colleagues in some 
knotty theological question. He believes in organization, and 
there is no better organized congrgation anywhere than the 
Vine Street Church, If organization, push and thrift make 



272 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

one great, he is surely great. He is moderator of the Kansas- 
Missouri Baptist Association, and has made that body strong 
and powerful through his wise and judicious leadership. He 
believes in a strong ministry, a clean life, and a spirit! of strict 
economy. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 273 



WILLIAM MADISON, JR., B.D., D.D. 



Farmer — Minister — Treasurer Publishing Board — Commence- 
ment Speaker — Church-Builder. 



The Reverend Doctor William Madison, Jr., pastor of the 
Day Street Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, has been 

unusually successful in the 
ministry. Though only 
forty years old, he has al- 
ready established a great 
record as a pastor and 
church-builder. 

Mr. Madison was born 
in Dallas County on April 
22, 1873, and was educated 
in the public school's of the 
county and in Selma Uni- 
versity, Selma, Alabama. 
During his entire college 
course his father gave him 
only three months' board 
and tuition. But this 
proved no barrier to his 
ambition. While Mr. Mad- 
son was only fourteen years old when he entered Selma Uni- 
versity, he did not graduate until May, 1910, due largely to the 
irregularity with which he attended school on account of insuf- 
ficient means. So determined was he to obtain his education 
that he often did chores about the school premises and occa- 
sionally preached. During vacations Mr, Madison hoed cot- 




274 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

ton, split rails and ploughed mules on the farm in an effort to 
raise money to defray his expenses. Mr. Madison has held 
many important charges during his ministerial life of twenty- 
seven years. Bethel, Marion; First Baptist, Pratt City; and 
his present church, the Day Street, Montgomery, Alabama, are 
the most important. The membership of the latter was 500 
when he assumed the pastorate in October, 1908 ; at present it 
has more than 1,100. He has recently erected a fine church 
edifice in Montgomery, costing more than $35,000. 

Mr. Madison is a man of great piety and faith and enjoys 
the respect of the brethren of his State. "His faith in God 
gives him strength for each day's battle, and his vision is clear 
and he seldom blunders in the! great things of life." He is at 
present treasurer of the publishing board of the State Conven- 
tion and a member of both the National Baptist Convention 
and the Sunday-School Congress. He is greatly in demand 
as a public speaker at college commencements, and has been 
often called upon to deliver the commencement address be- 
fore the Tuskegee Bible School. 

The Reverend Madison was married! to Miss Mary Solo- 
mon, of Safford, Alabama, in 1895. And she has made him a 
helpmeet worthy the sacred vows at Hymen's altar. 

"Trained to patience and hard work, Mr. Madison has 
steadily forged ahead, with 'the sword of the Lord and of 
Gideon,' and he well demonstrates what a man who unionizes 
divine and human forces in spiritual conquests" may do in the 
advancement of society and those for whom he labors. 

May the good people Mr. Madison so faithfully serves go 
forth to meet in like manner the struggles of life with a brave 
heart and confident spirit, so that when the dust settles over 
the battle-field of this,' life, they may be called to the life eter- 
nal, to join hands with their gallant leader. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 275 



H. M. WILLIAMS* D.D. 



Humorist — Lecturer — Bible Student — Great Pastor — Statisti- 
cian — Church-B iiilder — National Figure. 



On the first day of January, 1863, at the time Lincoln 
issued his Emancipation Proclamation, the Reverend H. M. 

Williams, noted 1 e c turer 
and humorist, was born. 
And Mr. Williams, a Lou- 
isianian by birth, had to hoe 
his own row through life 
with the aid of his friends, 
and in spite of every dis- 
advantage incurred by his 
enemies. 

From early childhood he 
was quick of perception 
and took to his books "like 
a duck takes to water." He 
entered Leland University, 
New Orleans, quite early, 
and remained until gradua- 
tion. He is acknowledged 
as one of the ablest stu- 
dents and orators which 
that famous institution has ever sent forth. 

Mr. Williams, after leaving Leland, was elected principal 
of Hearne Academy, Hearne, Texas; and while serving in 
that capacity made considerable improvements to the grounds, 
canceled many debts, and more than doubled the enrollment. 









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276 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

While teaching at Hearne he was called to superintend 
the State mission work for the General Baptist State Con- 
vention. He aroused and awakened the people to ial lively in- 
terest in missions and education asj they had not been before 
nor since. His interest in the success of pastors, as well as 
his own, created for liim a warm place in the hearts of his 
brethren, which the lapse of time has not caused to grow cold. 

The Reverend Williams is moderator of the Lincoln As- 
sociation, probably the oldest and most influential organization 
of its kind in the State. During the? five years of his admin- 
istration he has brought it up to a higher degree of efficiency, 
unsurpassed by any in the South. He has made liberal use 
of his superior training among those! less fortunate and has 
unselfishly given himself to lifting up a higher standard of 
right-living for those iamong whom he has been called to labor. 

Doctor Williams is pastoring one of the best disciplined 
churches in, the country; and' it is abreast of the times, giving 
liberally to all reliable denominational purposes. When he 
took charge of the Avenue h congregation, Galveston, it im- 
mediately took on new life. His sacred eloquence, burning 
zeal, pungent logic and indomitable will, reinforced by a life 
of sacrifice, have been instrumental, during the nine years of 
his pastorate, in erecting a large and commodious edifice, which 
long ago had proven inadequate for the ! accommodation of its 
ever-increasing membership. He is a natural-born financier. 

Doctor Williams is statistician of the General Baptist 
Convention of Texas, and in that capacity has been quite serv- 
iceable to his brethren in furnishing data concerning religious 
bodies of the world, let alone in his own State. 

As a humorist, he is the ablest of the connection, with 
one possible exception. He stands out conspicuously as an 
ideal pastor, fearless race leader and one of the most represent- 
ative men of the great National Baptist Convention. 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 277 



CHARLES STEWART, A.M., D.D. 



Writer — Lecturer — Humorist — Press Agent for the National 
Baptist Convention. ' 



Charles Stewart, D.D., journalist and 1 press agent for the 
National Baptist Convention and) the Negro race, was born to 

Henry and Harriet Stew- 
art, Frankfort, Kentucky, 
May 28, 1869. He early 
showed evidence of unus- 
ual scholarship in the pub- 
lic school. His principal, 
Prof. W. H. Mayo, pre- 
sented him a book on sten- 
ography, which he soon 
mastered from cover to 
cover. Early in 1883 ne re_ 
solved to enter college, but 
was discouraged by his par- 
ents, who were quite poor. 
With this in view, he ran 
away from home on July 
15, 1883, an d made it to 
Louisjville, Kentucky, 
where he was employed in 
Watson's boarding-house, morning and evening each day, for 
board and lodging while in attendance at the State University. 
The head of the -boarding-house soon lost patience with the 
young student and "fired" him, saying trial? he did not educate 
Negroes in slavery and he did not intend to do it at that late 
date. I 




278 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

W. H. Stewart, editor of the American Baptist, on learn- 
ing of Charles' discharge, made him collector for his paper, 
which position he retained while pursuing his studies. On 
leaving the State University he entered a business college in 
Chicago, in the meantime working as waiter at the Grand 
Pacific Hotel during odd hours, which paid his expenses 
through the entire course. While in college he distinguished 
himself as a rapid typewriter and stenographer. 

On leaving college he was employed by the Biermeister & 
Spicer Manufacturing Company, and later became court re- 
porter in Cook County, Illinois. It was while; a reporter that 
he took to newspaper work. In 1910 he was a press repre- 
sentative at the World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh, 
Scotland, and while abroad visited many European capitals. 
He is a strong preacher, lecturer and humorist, and so greatly 
is» he in demand that he cannot meet the calls upon his time. 
The Ohio State Journal says of him: 

"The Reverend Charles Stewart, A.M., D.D., is press 
agent for the Negro race, having received his training in the 
offices of the American Baptist and the Louisville (Kentucky) 
Courier- Journal. He is well educated, versatile and a pro- 
nounced humorist, and one of the best newspaper men in the 
entire United States." 

Mr. Stewart enjoys the confidence and respect of the en- 
tire connection and no man is listened to with greater pleasure 
in the national gatherings. In his chosen field, he is in a class 
by himself and is doing with his pen a service to the race that 
only a Stewart can perform. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 279 



/. T. C ASTON, B.D. a M.D. 



Valedictorian — Physician — Faithful Shepherd — President 
Missouri Baptist Convention — Grand Master of United 
Brothers of Friendship. 



The Reverend Doctor J. T. Caston, the eminent physician 
of Jefferson City, Missouri, is a strong combination of the suc- 
cessful minister and business man. 
And he has, during the many years 
of his public career, never suffered 
defeat in any of his undertakings. 
Doctor Caston was born in Penn- 
sylvania, just after the close of the 
Civil War, and migrated to Mis- 
souri with his mother and settled 
in Macon more than twenty-five 
years ago. He became a Christian 
very early and united with the Bap- 
tist Church, Macon, Missouri. He 
was educated in the public schools 
of Pennsylvania, the Western Col- 
lege, Macon, Missouri, and Meharry Medical College, Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, taking the coveted honor of his class — the 
valedictory. He made the highest average of any member of 
the class during the entire four years at Meharry. He was 
later ordained to the ministry. And he is as studious to-day 
as he was the day he graduated. He is a man of details and 
is as careful in the execution of 'the] simplest duties as he is of 
the more complex. Nothing escapes his unerring eye and 
the Quaker spirit of the Keystone State has made him one of 
the very strong men of the West. 




280 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Doctor Caston has had much experience in the pastor- 
ate, having served the Fulton, Macon, and the Jefferson City 
churches ; and upon; each; h^/ left the impress of) his character. 
Long-outstanding debts were paid, improvements were made, 
and the spiritual and social atmosphere was greatly clarified. 

Doctor Caston wajs elected to the presidency of the Mis- 
souri Baptist Convention about ten years ago and he has been 
elected continuously ever since. Through his efforts the or- 
ganization has become one of the best of its kind in the coun- 
try. He has increased the holdings, of the Western College, 
Macon, Missouri, and has laid plans for a greater Western 
College at Kansas City. As president of the State Conven- 
tion, he is modejst, unassuming, yet positive and direct. He 
is well liked by his brethren. He is a great preacher, using 
none of the sensational methods so often indulged in by the 
dress-parade minister; instead, he is clear, logical and forceful. 

Two years ago Doctor Caston was elected grand master of 
the United Brothers of Friendship, and so ably has he handled 
the affairs of that rich body that it is to-day in better shape 
than ever before. He is an adept in diplomacy and has never 
been reversed in any ofl his many parliamentary decisions. 

Doctor Caston enjoys a large practice in his chosen field. 
His patients are numerous throughout! the State, and so large 
has his medical practice become that he was forced to move 
his office to the city of St. Louis and relinquish the active pas- 
torate entirely. He is a recognized authority on medical sub- 
jects and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of eminent 
physicians. 

Doctor Caston is married. His beloved wife is a grad- 
uate of Western College, and moves in the best church and 
fraternal circles. Doctor Caston is a man of means, and he 
uses his wealth freely for charitable purposes. 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 281 



WILLIAM H. STEWARD, A.B., A.M. 



Sunday-School Missionary — Editor American Baptist — Secre- 
tary National Baptist Convention — Trustee of University 
— Influential Citizen. 






William H. Steward was born at Brandenburg, Meade 
County, Kentucky, on July 26, 1847. Although a slave, he was 

accorded a greater number 
of privileges than was 
usually the case, and he did 
not hesitate to take advant- 
age of every opportunity 
for the improvement of his 
condition. 

While still a child he 
went to Louisville, where 
he attended a private school 
taught by competent in- 
structors. He was a very 
bright boy and made rapid 
progress in his studies. 
After he had reached man- 
hood he became a teacher 
in Frankfort and Louis- 
ville. Consecutively he oc- 
cupied positions with rail- 
road companies, and with the Government as letter-carrier. 

In 1867 he professed religion, was baptized and joined 
the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Louisville. From that 
time forward he was an active worker, becoming secretary of 
the choir and teacher of the largest class in the Sunday-school, 




282 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

bending every energy to making the lessons interesting and in- 
structive. Later he was elected superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school. 

Mr. Steward has been secretary of the National Baptist 
Convention and secretary of the Baptist State Convention; 
chairman of the board of trustees of State University, Louis- 
ville, Kentucky; secretary of the board of visitors of the 
schools of Louisville, and subsequently chairman of that body. 

Since 1879 Mr. Steward has been connected — in an edi- 
torial capacity — with the American Baptist. He is still an 
active member of the National Baptist Convention, and he is 
also Sunday-school missionary for the American Baptist Pub- 
lication Society for Kentucky. 

Mr. Steward visited London in 1905 on the occasion of 
the meeting of the World Baptist Alliance. 

It is as editor of one of the oldest and best denominational 
papers that Mr. Steward has probably reached the largest 
number of people. He is a brilliant writer, strong and con- 
vincing, and a thorough scholar. The average newspaper is con- 
sidered a most effective medium of communication, but when 
the periodical is so important a publication as the American 
Baptist, the number of persons brought under the influence of 
the editor can hardly be estimated. And it is needless to state 
that the columns of Mr. Steward's paper have been devoted 
invariably to the promulgation of right principles. He has 
been a faithful champion of the race, and he has employed 
political channels in many instances to benefit those whose 
welfare he has at heart. 

Fraternal organizations have paid him high honor, and he 
is recognized as a power in his community and State. 

Professor Steward is married, and his wife, Mrs. M. E. 
Steward, is one of the most accomplished women of the race, 
being actively engaged] in educational work. Mrs. Steward is 
widely known as a musician and lecturer of rare attainments. 
She is professor of music in the State University at Louis- 
ville and president of the Woman's Baptist State Convention 
o: Kentucky. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 283 



JOHN ELIJAH FORD, B.D., Ph.D. 



Noted Lecturer and Biblicist — Educator. 



The Reverend John Elijah Ford, the noted Biblicist of 
Jacksonville, Florida, was born October 21, 1863, at Owens- 

boro, Kentucky. His par- 
ents, Isom and Anna Eliz- 
abeth Helen Ford, were 
slaves and had fifteen chil- 
dren, John Elijah being the 
oldest; and of the fifteen, 
ten have died. 

Young Ford move 1 to 
Chicago at a very early age 
and matriculated in the pub- 
lic schools of that city. He 
made exceptionally good 
grades, and while in h i s 
"teens" graduated from the 
high school of the city, be- 
ing the only colored pupil 
^™ in the class. He was espe- 
cially fond of Latin, and the four-years course in the high 
school of "The Windy City" served him well during his col- 
lege life at Fisk University (1882-9) and Beloit College 
(Wisconsin, 1889-91). In 1891 he matriculated in the Di- 
vinity School, Chicago University, and graduated three years 
later with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, being the first 
colored student to take that degree from the University. 
While in Chicago Mr. Ford served as pastor of the Bethany 




284 Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 

Baptist Church, and he was constantly in demand as a lect- 
urer, debater and public speaker before lyceums of the city. 

He was called from Chicago to the pastorate of the Zion 
Baptist Church, Denver, which he accepted, while taking a 
post-graduate course in the University of Denver, Colorado, 
leading to the degree of Ph.D. in 1905. Mr. Ford is a verita- 
ble book-worm and has a great fondness for the, classics, and 
his knowledge of Latin and Greek has made him one of the 
great Biblicists of the country.. 

In 1906 he was elected to the presidency of the State Uni- 
versity and while acting in that capacity added new laurels 
to his already illustrious record. To further his study in 
Bible research, Doctor Ford visited Europe in 1907, taking in 
the great capital cities of the Old World, visiting the great 
libraries and museums of the universities. He returned to 
the States the latter part of that year and accepted the pas- 
torate of the Bethel Institutional Church, Jacksonville, Flor- 
ida, probably the finest in the South. He is still its pastor, 
and an assistant minister, a clerk and a large teaching force 
are allowed him in the prosecution of the institutional work. 
Mr. Ford is a trustee and an instructor of theology in the 
Florida Baptist College, Jacksonville, of which Professor N. 
W. Collier is. president. 

The Reverend Doctor Ford has, in addition to his pas- 
toral work, conducted for the past few years the Bible insti- 
tute work of the Sunday-School Congress, and his learned ex- 
position of the Scriptures in simple yet choice language, re- 
inforced with an earnestness characteristically his own, has 
inspired the members of the Congress to look' forward to this 
particular feature each year with increasing pleasure. 

Mr. Ford was married to Miss Justina L. Warren, a 
.charming and talented alumna of the Galesburg (111.) High 
School, in 1893. In 1899 Mrs. Ford was graduated from the 
Hering Medical College of Illinois; and so thirsty was she 
for the best possible knowledge of the science of medicine that 



Who's Who Among ths Colored Baptists. 285 

she took a post-graduate course in the Hahnemann Post-Grad- 
uate Medical College, Chicago, Mrs. Ford was instrumental 
in building the hospital at the State Normal, and Agricultural 
College, Huntsville, Alabama, while engaged in the practice 
of medicine at that point. She now enjoys a large practice 
in the city of Denver and her skill is recognized by the best 
medical students of the Rocky Mountain State. 

Some men of eloquence speak to the understanding; oth- 
ers speak to the imagination; while still others address the 
heart. But Rev. Ford has the happy faculty of speaking to 
all three. Being a man of great faith, reverting constantly to 
prayer, and with the Bible seemingly "transfused" into him, 
he is doing a service for the denomination that cannot be over- 
estimated. May he continue to grow in the hearts of the 
people as he advances in years. 



286 Who/s Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 



ALBERT PRINCE DUNBAR, D.D. 



Farm Hand — Boy School-Teacher — Youthful Pastor — Noted 
Evangelist — The- Founder of a Great Corporation — A 
Hero of Many Battles^ 



The achievements of Albert Prince Dunbar bedeck the 
glittering pages* of the history of one of the most progressive 

business concerns ever es- 
tablished by a struggling 
people. 

Born to Reverend and 
Mrs. Richmond Dunbar, in 
a log cabin, near the 
swamps of Barnwell, S. C, 
October 25, 1859, the boy 
gave promise of a great 
man. In excess of their 
parental pride, he was 
named Albert Prince; and 
his career has verified the 
appellation, for he has 
proven a "great prince in 
Israel." 

When seven years of age 
young Dunbar could repeat 
his catechism verbatim, and 
long before he was ten his knowledge of Webster's speller 
was quite equal to that of his backwoods teacher. So rap- 
idly did he advance that it became necessary for his father 
toi move near the town of Barnwell, where he placed! his boy 




Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 287 

in the high school, from which he graduated before he reached 
fifteen. After graduation he sustained a public school exam- 
ination and was employed as a first-grade teacher at $50 per 
month. ( 

The young teacher early professed a hope in Christ and 
united with the church of which, his father was pastor. Later 
he felt called, and was licebsed and ordained to the Gospel 
ministry in the same year. He became a power in the neigh- 
borhood as a preacher and several churches invited him to be- 
come their pastor. But he wiselyj refused, preferring to pur- 
sue his theological and classical studies in a college to better 
equip himself for the ministry. 

Mr. Dunbar married Miss Sheldonia Bell Daniels, of Barn- 
well, at eighteen years of age, and at once disposed of his per- 
sonal property and matriculated himself and wife in Benedict 
College, Columbia, South Carolina, where, by the timely as- 
sistance of Mr. and Mrs. Bixby, of Boston, Massachusetts, 
the youthful couple were enabled to remain for many years. 
Soon after Mr. Dunbar entered Benedict he became assistant 
pastor to tne venerable Rev. Samuel Johnson, of First Cal- 
vary Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina. So well did 
Rev. Mr. Johnson and his good people like the young assistant 
that at the death of the former, Dunbar was chosen pastor of 
First Calvary Church — the largest in thej State. He discharged 
with signal success and conspicuous ability the onerous duties 
of the church, at the same time continuing his studies at the col- 
lege, making an exceptionally good record in Greek and He- 
brew. During! Mr. Dunbar's pastorate of eleven years at Co- 
lumbia, a beautiful church edifice costing $10,000 was erected 
and more than one thousand members were added to the 
cnurch. He became secretary of the association to which his 
church belonged and was made vice-president of the Baptist 
Mate Convention. 

Aside from the pastorate of First Calvary, Mr. Dunbar 
spent ten years as minister of Fifth Street Baptist congrega- 



288 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

tion, Richmond, 'Virginia, erected for that people a handsome 
edifice at a cost of $3,5,000 and added more than 1,200 mem- 
bers; served Second Calvary, Columbia, South Carolina, for 
ten years, built a $10,000 edifice, paid off outstanding debts 
and received more than 1,000 persons into its membership; 
administered to the spiritual wants of thei Mount Olivet Bap- 
tist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, for three years, united a divided 
people, gave the congregation a new standing in the commu- 
nity and largely increased its membership, and made $8,000 
improvements. Doctor Dunbar, because of the failing health 
of his wife, had to resign his Atlanta charge and seek a higher 
and better climate. He returned to Columbia. 

Apart from the ministry, perhaps the greatest racial enter- 
prise in which the distinguished Carolinian ever was engaged 
is the Mutual Benefit Insurance Company of South Carolina, 
established by himself without one dollar of capital. Under 
his wise management the institution has in property and cash 
more than $30,000, does an annual business of $50,000; and 
employs more than 157 agents and 8 clerks in the general 
office, each being an expert in his department. Although 
general manager of the concern, Mr. Dunbar finds the dispo- 
sition to preach irresistible and even now pastors more than 
one country church. Acting in the double capacity of pastor 
and of business man, he is, demonstrating by precept and ex- 
ample the ideals of the true leader capable of transforming 
the carpenter into the architect, the politician into the states- 
man, the priest into the prophet. Though an uncompromising 
Baptist, Dr. Dunbar has been honored by Allen University, 
the foremost institution of the African Methodist Episcopal 
Church, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 

From the backwoods of South Carolina, where he was 
reared on the farm, ploughing a sleepy-eyed Georgia mule, 
the subject of our sketch has risen to fame and distinction 
in the business and financial as well as in the religious world 
worthy the emulation of every ambitious boy. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 289 

In discourse he is thoroughly practical, deeply thought- 
ful, convincingly logical and irresistibly persuasive. The 
ignorant ones are held as spell-bound! by his preaching as the 
more intelligent, and the 7,787 souls baptized by him give him 
a place among the soul-savers that is equaled by few in the 
ministry. j 



AARON WESLEY MOSS, D.D. 



Pastor — Treasurer Foreign Mission Convention — Member of 
Executive Board E. and) M 4 Convention of Texas — Dele- 
gate to World Baptist Alliance, London, England, 



The Reverend Aaron Wesley Moss, D.D., has occupied 
many prominent places as minister during his long public 

career. And in each of 
them he has stood for all 
that was uplifting and no- 
ble. He is an Alabamian 
by birth, having been born 
on January 21, 1854. His 
parents migrated to Mis- 
sissippi in 1 866, and one 
year later their son, Aaron, 
was converted and united 
with the Baptist church, 
under the pastorate of Rev. 
P. W. Waldon. 

During 1874 Mr. Moss 
felt called to the ministry 
and was licensed as a local 
minister; seven years later 
the Mount Carmel Baptist 
Church, near Macon, Mis-. 




290 Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 

sissippi, called him to ordination. The young man served that 
church for three years, resigning to accept a more lucrative 
field at Canton. Having gained much notoriety as a good 
minister, Reverend Moss had to divide his time between the 
Canton and Livingston churches for several years, finally giv- 
ing up the pastorate in Mississippi, and accepting a call to the 
Ebenezer Third Baptist Church, Austin, Texas, and later en- 
tering upon the pastorate at Gainesville, Texas. 

The Reverend Mr. Moss was at one time treasurer of 
the Foreign Mission Convention, and was a board member of 
both that convention and of the Missionary and Educational 
Convention. It was Mr. Moss who gave the Northwestern 
Association of that State ten years of very acceptable service, 
and it was during his administration as moderator that it flour- 
ished as never before nor since. It was while Doctor Moss 
was serving as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Tyler, 
that he was, sent as* a delegate! to theJ World Baptist Alliance, 
London, England, in 1905. On his return to the United 
States he was elected to the superintendency of Sunday-school 
missions for Texas, which position he held for one year. He 
returned to the pastorate and served El Bethel Baptist Church 
of Dallas for seven consecutive years. He later was called 
to Griggs Chapel Baptist Church of Dallas, in which capacity 
he still serves.. 

Mr. Moss was married to Miss Josephine Ferguson, De- 
cember 8, 1881. The union has proven a happy one and the 
two bright children — Priscilla and Haywood Ferguson — have 
already given evidence of useful lives. Mrs. Moss feels proud 
of the record her_ husband has made, and the Doctor congrat- 
ulates himself upon his happy life's choice, who has aided him 
in his every effort. 

As a theological student of Jackson College, Jackson, 
Mississippi, and as one among the many having received the 
degree of D.D. from Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas, the 
public has a just right to expect even greater things from 
Mr. Moss during the remaining years of his natural life. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 291 



PROFESSOR /. M. CODWELL. 



Member City Council — Member County Board of Examiners 
— Editor of The Western Star — Educational Secretary 
— -Assistant Secretary of the National Baptist Convention. 



The newspaper is a moulder of public opinion; and he 
who sends forth his convictions through its spicy columns, 

dealing with the great live 
issues of the day, especial- 
ly when they are discussed 
with an eye single to the 
common good of all the 
people, will rise to a place 
of prominence where he 
may reap the full reward 
of his endeavors. 

Professor J. M. Codwell, 
formerly of Navasota, 
Grimes County, Texas, 
now a resident of Houston, 
is a journalist of rare dis- 
tinction, and is considered 
one of the best editorial 
writers of Texas. While 
fearless and outspoken, he 
recognizes merit even in 
his foes ; and uses his great paper to defend principles 
rather than men. Mr. Codwell was born in Navasota, and 
educated in the public schools and colleges of his State. He 
was considered a very bright boy by his teachers and! was of- 




292 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

fered every encouragement to his ambition. He early learned 
tq wield a vigorous pen while in school and the high position 
he now* holds in the newspaper world is the goal of his) child- 
hood ambition. 

Mr. Codwell became a Christian early in life and con- 
nected himself with the Baptist church of Navasota. He al- 
ways took an active part in Sunday-school work, and his 
services were freely given in that department of church work. 

So prominent did Protessor Codwell become and so rapid 
was his rise in the community that the colored citizens elected 
him to the city council of Navasota, which position he filled 
to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. While in the coun- 
cil he secured needed legislation for his constituents. 

Mr. Codwell became prominent in the educational affairs 
of Grimes County. He taught public school in the county, and 
so well was he liked by his constituents that he was made a 
member of the board of examiners for the county; and he 
held his own among his white associates and was respected 
and honored by every member of the board; 

When the Baptist Educational >nd Missionary Conven- 
tion of Texas was organized, it needed a great organ to ex- 
pound its principles and defend its every interest. The West- 
ern Star Publishing Company was organized and J. M. Cod- 
well was placed in the editorial chair; and how well he has 
rilled the position is demonstrated by the large circulation, the 
increased interest in the conventional work and the command- 
ing position the paper occupies in the field of journalism. 

This brilliant young educator is educational secretary of 
the Educational Convention and secretary of the Texas Sun- 
day-School Convention. He is assistant secretary of the Na- 
tional Baptist Convention and no man has occupied that high 
office with greater efficiency. 

Professor Codwell is in the prime of life; a journalist of 
conspicuous ability, a race advocate of the first magnitude, a 
diplomat and leader in the affairs of the denomination. Til- 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 293 

lotson College has never sent; forth an abler man to lift up a 
standard for the people; nor the Lone Star State a braver son 
to tell the story of a rising race only fifty years from slavery. 



/. H. HENDERSON, B.D. 



Farmer — Student — ^ chool-Teacher — Strong Pastor. 



The Reverend J. H. Henderson was born in Louisiana 
of slave parents, who strove to give their, son a good education, 

though under circum- 
stances most trying. Young 
Henderson, being naturally 
bright and thrifty, soon 
passed through the grades 
of the public schools of his 
home town. Financially 
unprepared to pursue his 
studies in a higher insti- 
tution after graduation, 
Mr. Henderson worked on 
his father's farm for a 
while and engaged in teach- 
ing private classes, at 
ri i g h t. He continued to 
study and within a f e w 
years had saved enough 
money to enable him to en- 
ter college. 

He early professed a hope in Christ and united with 
the Baptist church. Very soon thereafter he felt, called 




294 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

to the ministry and the local congregation licensed him to 
preach. Later he was ordained. He next entered the Vir- 
ginia Union University, and after three years of hard study 
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He at 
once returned to his native State and was called to the pas- 
torate of Trinity Baptist Church, Shreveport, La., and to the 
principalship of the Thirteenth District Academy. Both con- 
gregation and school thrived under his administration. For 
a short time he served the Mendon (La.) Baptist church with 
much success. 1 

In 191 3 Reverend Henderson was called to the Roanoke 
Baptist Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he still serves 
the people with signal success. His present congregation is 
one of the best in Arkansas and stands for all that makes for 
the best interest of the community. 

Mr. Henderson is known nationally and takes a leading 
part in every phase of denominational and racial enterprises. 
He is a strong pastor and a good preacher — fearless and in- 
dependent in manner. 

Mr. Henderson is married, and is the father of four 
promising children. Mrs. Henderson, congenial and pleasing, 
is ever faithful in the discharge of the duties imposed upon 
her as the companion of a well-deserving minister. May the 
years of this youthful minister and his loving wife be many, 
and may they continue to grow in favor in the hearts of their 
people. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 295 



REV. CHARLES GENTRY FISHBACK A.M., D.D. 



Waiter — Successful Pastor — Church-Builder — Field Secretary 
of Foreign Mission Board, National Baptist Convention. 



Rev. Charles Gentry Fishback, Jr., comes from a family 
of good preachers. His father, Charles G., was a pioneer min- 
1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^— 1 ister of Winchester, Ken- 

tucky, the birthplace of our 
sketch. Young- Fishback 
was early taught to know 
the Lord, and his pious 
mother, Mrs. Letitia Fish- 
back, like her venerable 
husband, spared no pains to 
rear their talented son "up 
in the way he should go.'' 
While the boy was still un- 
der their fostering care, the 
parents sent him to Louis- 
ville, where he entered the 
State University. He was 
a hard student, applying 
himself to his books, and 
succeeded in graduating from the department of theology in 
May, 1898, when he took the degree of B.D. Norton Uni- 
versity, Cane Spring, Kentucky, conferred A.M. upon him in 
June, 1902. Since leaving college he has continued his studies 
and is considered a very able minister. He is earnest, elo- 
quent and logical in the delivery of his sermons. 




296 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

Reverend Fishback began life as a hotel waiter in Louis- 
ville and Winchester. He was not ashamed to do with his 
might whatever his hands found to do; because of which spirit 
he was able to assist himself through school. 

When Mr. Fishback left the State University he was called 
to the pastorate of State Street Baptist Church, Bowling 
Green, Kentucky. For seven years he labored earnestly with 
the people of that community, during which he rebuilt the 
church edifice and gave the membership a large increase and a 
better financial standing in the community. He was called from 
Bowling Green to Topeka, Kansas, where he entered upon the 
pastorate of the Shiloh Baptist Church, once pastored by the 
eloquent Dr. W. L. Grant. ' He is still in charge of the congre- 
gation, which is large and intelligent. It does active mission- 
ary work under the supervision of Dr. Fishback. 

In connection with the pastorate, Rev. Fishback does con- 
siderable foreign mission work for the Foreign Mission Board, 
of which he has been field secretary for a number of years. 
He is one of the very successful men raising money for the 
Board. At one time he was offered a large salary to give his 
entire time to foreign missions, but he declined, feeling, it was 
not proper to leave a great church at this time, where his ser- 
vices were so much in demand. 

Reverend Fishback has attained some distinction as a 
writer. He has written much for various magazines and week- 
lies. He is the author of a booklet, "The Uncrowned Queen," 
which has had a large sale and has proven quite popular. 

Still young in years, having risen to a prominent place 
among Baptists of the United States, willing and earnest, far- 
seeing and courageous, Reverend Fishback will doubtless add 
many more bright pages to his already well-filled history. 
Reverend Fishback is married and has a family. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 297 



RBVBRBND ZACHARIAH TAYLOR PARDBB. 



A Landmark of History — A Prince in Israel — Organiser of 
the First Negro School in Texas. 



"The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the 
strong, but unto him who endures unto the end." 

The man who may justly 
lay claim as the pioneer of 
Baptist missions in the 
Lone Star State is the Rev. 
Z. T. Pardee, of Dallas, 
Texas. He has had long 
and varied experiences as a 
minister and the number of 
churches and missions or- 
ganized by him exceed by 
far that of any other, white 
or black, in the State. Mr. 
Pardee was born in Sparta, 
Georgia, March 1, 1839, to 
Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver. 
His first owner, John An- 
drews, sold him to Samuel 
Pardee in 1850, and Pardee sold him in 1857 to one William 
Griggs, who kept him until the close of the Civil War. He 
was not brought to Texas until he was quite a young man, and 
he has alternately lived in Corsicana and Dallas. 

Mr. Pardee was converted on March 1, 1862, exactly 
at the age of twenty-three. He was baptized by Rev. Prairie, 




298 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

at Chatfield Baptist Church, which body licensed him to preach 
in 1865. Revs. Joseph McCullough, D. G. Biggins and Josiah 
Leak later ordained him at the same church. His field of 
labor covers a wide territory, and the Lord blessed his labors 
with abundant success. He was instrumental in organizing 
two churches, and remained with them until they became strong 
and mighty. Corsicana, Good Hope, Mount Zion, Hopewell, 
Hester, Samaria, Runnels Chapel, St. Paul, Enis, and St. Mark, 
Dallas, are among some of the leading ones. Brother Pardee 
served as moderator of the Friendship Association for a num- 
ber of years, and for fourteen years acted as treasurer of the 
JVIissionary and Educational Convention. In 1883 he was 
unanimously chosen superintendent of missions, but declined. 
He has served as president of the Mercantile Association of 
Corsicana for many years, and during his incumbency no man 
worked harder to bring about good results in the association. 

Rev. Pardee assisted in the ordination of many great min- 
isters during his long pastorate. Among them Revs. Felix 
Gary (deceased), C. Kelly, C. Jones, H. Holland, F. H. Har- 
rison, A. R. Griggs, S. E. Griggs, Sr., E. T. Allen, L. Moore, 
W. Mclveen, W. R. Banner, G. W. Walker, V. Walker, Wm. 
Ervine, A. W. Walker, James Lewis, and others. Thousands 
have been converted under Rev. Pardee's preaching and many 
have been baptized. Says he : "I have traveled on foot thirty 
miles a day and preached two sermons. It was common in 
those pioneer days to walk seven and eight miles to church. I 
am now in my seventy-fourth year, and am trying not to 
allow a Sunday to pass without attending some Sunday-school 
and preaching somewhere." 

Rev. Pardee was married to Miss Ella Griggs twice — once 
before the Civil War, by Rev. Charles Kerr, a Methodist min- 
ister, July 16, 1862, and since by Rev. Josiah Leak. Fifteen 
children have been born to the aged couple, all dead except six, 
one of whom is Rev. R. T. Pardee, now pastoring at Corsi- 
cana ; the remaining five are girls — Christian workers. Truly 



Who's Who Among the; Colored Baptists. 299 

Rev. Pardee is a landmark of history, a great man in Israel, 
with a great past and an honorable present : 

"How beautiful is it for man to die 
Upon the walls of Zion ! To be called, 
Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel, 
To put his armour off, and rest in Heaven." 

—Willis. 



REV. WILLIAM MASSEY. D.D. 



Pioneer Minister — Faithful Servant — Ex-President Baptist 
Missionary and Educational Convention. 



The Reverend William Massey has had much experience 
during his long career, not only in the ministry, but in slavery, 

undergoing some very sad 
afflictions while the chains 
of oppression dangled from 
his bleeding feet as he 
prayed to that God who al- 
ways answers prayer. He 
w a s born in Culpepper 
County. Virginia, in 1844. 
His mother was Mrs. Mil- 
dred Thompson, while his 
father was unknown to him- 
He was sold from his moth- 
er in Richmond, and car- 
ried to Tennessee, by one 
Dr. Allen M. Hall. Mr. 
Hall sold him to one Mr. 
John R. Massey, who in 
turn sold him to a planter named J. B. Sterling, at Green- 




300 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

<ville, Mississippi. His master paid 1 $1,658 for him. He 
was kept busy on the farm until the Civil War broke out, 
when he made a dash for liberty. He got as* far as Memphis, 
jbut was captured and returned to his owner, who made his 
feet fast in the stocks. "A log and chain were placed upon 
my legs and I was forced to drag them around," said Mr. Mas- 
sey. "During this sad experience of 1859 I professed a hope 
in Christ and my master licensed me to preach." When Fort 
Spauist and Mobile surrendered to the Union soldiers, Mr. 
Massey succeeded in joining a brigade of 7,000 men and went 
with them to Mobile, thence to New Orleans, Red River, Mis- 
sissippi, Shreveport, Louisiana, Marshall, Texas, and Alexan- 
dria, Louisiana. 

At the close of the war he joined Bethesda Baptist Church, 
Marshall, from which body he was ordained in September, 
1867, by a presbytery of white brethren, among whom were Dr. 
A. E. Clemons and Rev. T. L. Scruggs and several deacons of 
the white Baptist church. 

Reverend Massey was twice married. His first marriage 
before the Civil War produced one daughter, who for many 
years taught school in Texas. He was sold from his wife dur- 
ing slavery and married again after the freedom of slaves. 
Three children, all living, have been born to the second union. 

The ministry of Reverend Massey covers many years, dur- 
ing which his services proved invaluable, especially to the Mis- 
sionary Baptists, who at that time had but very few consecrated 
men in the field. He did both pastoral and evangelistic work. 
He went forth as a pioneer. He pastored the church at Mar- 
shall for ten years ; from Marshall he located at Waco, where 
he did very commendable work for four years. The Calvert 
church called him for six years, where his work was favorably 
spoken of. Austin, Navasota, Cold Springs, Weatherford, 
Pilot Point, Denison, San Angelo, and other important points 
used him successfully for a number of years as their pastor. 
During his long career more than 3,000 persons have been con- 



Who's Who Among the: Colored Baptists. 301 

verted and more than 2,500 have been baptized. Rev. Massey 
was at one time moderator of St. John Association and served 
as president of the Missionary and Educational Convention of 
Texas for fourteen years. Because of Rev. Massey's work in 
the ministry, his wise leadership, his deep piety and thorough 
Christian life, a Presbyterian college and Guadalupe College, 
Seguin, conferred upon him the degree of D.D. He is a life 
member of the National Baptist Convention and at one time 
served as one of its vice-presidents. He is a great man in the 
Baptist church. 



302 Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



/. A. MARTIN, D.D. 



Good Pastor — Earnest Worker — Representative Member of 
the Alabama Baptist State Convention. 



The Reverend J. A. Martin, successful pastor at Selma, 
Alabama, was born, reared and educated in that State. He 

comes from a noble family 
of farmers, industrious and 
honest. His parents gave 
him a course of training at 
Selma University, from 
whose theological depart- 
ment he graduated. After 
graduation he entered the 
active pastorate in that city, 
and success has followed 
his every effort. Reverend 
Martin has a large, influ- 
ential and progressive con- 
gregation, one of the lead- 
ing congregations in Ala- 
'bama. Doctor Martin is 
married and has several 
lovely children, two of 
whom are studying in Sel- 
ma University. Reverend Martin is held in high esteem by 
the brethren of his State and has been intrusted with many re- 
sponsible positions as the reward of faithful toil. 

Being a man of character, push and capability, he has not 
been willing to put his talents away in a napkin for safe keep- 




Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 303 

ing, but has freely given them to better the lives of others. 
Truty he is a worthy representative of Alabama State Conven- 
tion, which will vet call him to a more exalted station. 



JOHN LA\ T GE, JR., ESQ. 



Steer-Driver'' — ''Educated in the Woods" — Business Man — 

Manager Blind Boone Concert Company — Benefactor — 
Capitalist and Uncompromising Baptist. 



Kansas City and the West are fortunate in justly claiming 
as their own distinguished citizen. Mr. John Lange, of the 

famous Blind Boone Concert Com- 
pany. « He was born in Harris- 
burg, Kentucky, October 4. 1840; 
and was brought to Missouri, and 
settled in Columbia, by his master, 
about sixty-five years ago. John 
'Lange. Sr., was born in Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana ; while young 
Lange's mother, Louisa, came from 
Atlanta. Georgia. No one strug- 
gled harder against odds than did 
young Lange during his youthful 
years. Asked where he was edu- 
cated, he replied: "In the woods.' 
And it was in the wild forest that he obtained a foothold that 
has made him one of the leading Afro-American financiers. 
After emancipation he began life as a wood-chopper and steer- 
driver, and often carted wood to town. Many a day in the pit- 
iless dare of a sun that sent the mercurv bubbling over the 




304 Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 

100-mark, making clothes a burden and a bath a luxury, Mr. 
Lange, with back bare and feet naked, laid siege to some giant 
oak. Within two days he erected and moved into his first log 
hut, the sweet memories of which he cherishes even to-day. 

Thirty-three years ago he organized the famous Blind 
Boone Concert Company, of which he is still the efficient 
manager. The present members of this excellent company 
are: Blind Boone, the musical prodigy; Miss Emma Smith, 
soprano ; John Lange, manager ; and a few others. The com- 
pany has traveled extensively over many parts of North Amer- 
ica and is recognized as the best and most substantial musical 
organization of its kind in the world. Mr. Lange is essentially 
a business man and has accumulated a great fortune by apply- 
ing himself diligently to his chosen field of labor. Asked about 
his financial standing some time ago, he replied: "My financial 
standing is worth a hundred cents to the dollar." He owns 
much residence and business property in Kansas City and else- 
where in Missouri. Mr. Lange is a philanthropist, giving free- 
ly to charitable institutions. The Second Baptist Church and 
Old Folks' Home of Kansas City, and the Second Baptist 
Church, Columbia, Missouri, have been special objects of his 
benevolence. Every summer he makes it a custom to look up 
the poor in and around Kansas City, and render unto thern 
such assistance as they may need. 

In religion he is an uncompromising Missionary Baptist, 
and is a regular attendant at the Sunday services of the Second 
Baptist Church when he is in the city. He is a man of his 
word and of unusual ability persistence and unflagging enthu- 
siasm, and an "example of sturdy success-crowned determin- 
ation worthy of emulation by those whose efforts are as inde- 
fatigable and whose aspirations are as lofty." He is a high 
Pythian and a faithful member of the Masonic fraternity. 
Men like Mr. Lange and Blind Boone are valuable to any com- 
munity and are potent factors in the solution of the knotty 
problems confronting the Negro race. 



Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 



305 



JOHN MITCHELL, JR. 



Newsboy — Prize -Winner — "The Gamest Editor Upon the 
American Continent" — President of Mechanics' Bank — 
Grand Chancellor of Knights of Pythias — Member Amer- 
ican Bankers' Association. 



Right in the capital of the Confederacy, where the boys in 
blue drove the boys in gray from their trenches to their Water- 
loo at Appomatox, the subject of 
our sketch was born. And it was 
there he was reared and educated 
and to-day enjoys the distinction 
of being the bravest and most suc- 
cessful newspaper editor of the 
. A fro- American race. 

John Mitchell, Jr., was born July 
11, 1863, in the city of Richmond. 
His mother was a seamstress, 
w h i 1 e his father was a coach- 
man. Young Mitchell very 
early showed ambition for lead- 
ership and ability to do that which other boys consid- 
ered impossible. He was daring and absolutely fearless. He 
attended the public school at an early age. and while doing so 
became a waiter in a hotel owned (by a Negro-hater, named 
Lynch. He later became a newsboy and sold copies of the 
Evening State Journal. He was prepared for the high school 
under the tutorage of Dr. A. Binga, Jr., and in 1876 entered 
the Normal High School, from which he graduated at the head 
of his class in June, 1881. While in the high school he drew a 




306 Who's Who Among thr Colored Baptists. 

map of Virginia, pronounced by competent judges the best pro- 
duction of the kind ever drawn by any student, white or black, 
in the State. He was awarded a gold medal for the same, on 
commencement day, by the Hon. A. M. Riley, then minister to 
Austria. "He has since drawn a map of Yorktown, surround- 
ed by dignitaries of the Revolutionary War. It resembles the 
finest steel engraving, and would be readily taken for such. 
Mr. Mitchell has never received any lessons in the art and this 
makes it the more surprising." He is recognized as one of the 
greatest newspaper artists of any race. He is a member of the 
British Academy of Arts and Sciences. 

Mr. Mitchell is a great orator and debater, and while a stu- 
dent made quick work of the boys who dared to^face him in 
the forum. He won a gold medal for oratory while a student 
in 1881. 

It is as editor of the Planet that John Mitchell has been 
most successful. He assumed the editorship of the paper on 
December 5, 1884, after relinquishing .the position of corre- 
spondent for the New York Freeman. And the Planet has 
grown steadily in the hearts of Afro-Americans until to-day it 
is the most widely circulated paper of its kind among Negroes. 
Though Mr. Mitchell is a member of the First Baptist Church, 
Richmond, and has occupied many prominent positions in the 
Baptist State Convention of Virginia, he uses the columns of his 
paper to defend principles rather than men and creeds. He 
''hews to the line, let the chips fall where they may." It mat- 
ters not whether in church, secret society or political party, he 
is merciless in his denunciation of corruption. And he is 
bravery personified, and has been styled "the gamest Negro 
editor on the Continent." He has offered his life in defence 
of innocent victims of race prejudice upon several occasions." 
On February 22, 1887, the. New York World said : . "One of 
the most daring and vigorous Negro editors is John Mitchell, 
Jr., editor of the Richmond Planet. The fact that he is a Ne- 
gro and lives in Richmond does not prevent him from being 



Who 's Who Among the Colored Baptists. 307 

courageous, almost to a fault. He is a man who would walk 

into the jaws of death to serve his race His 

pen seems dipped in vitriol and-his words are hurled with the 
force of Milton's Satan, whom we find described as having 
such strength that his spear, to equal which the tallest pine 
hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast of some great admiral 
were but a wand." — Simmons' "Men of Mark." 

Mr. Mitchell has the largest Negro printing plant in Amer- 
ica, with the single exception of the National Baptist publish- 
ing outfit at Nashville, Tennessee. He is president of the 
'Mechanics' Bank of Richmond, an institution that stood like 
Gibraltar against the run caused by the failure of the True Re- 
formers' Bank in the same city a few years ago. He is the 
only Negro member of the American Bankers' Association. 
Mr. Mitchell is a Pythian and is grand chancellor of that order 
in the State of Virginia. May his brilliant career continue for 
many years to come and he eventually "lie down to pleasant 
dreams" as one of the world's great immortals. 



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